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Why Gen Z is Ghosting Employers: The Surprising Reason Behind Phone Anxiety

In today’s fast-paced, AI-driven world, a surprising trend is hindering millions of Gen Z individuals from securing employment: telephobia, or the fear of answering phone calls. This growing aversion to phone conversations is costing young job seekers valuable opportunities, and experts are sounding the alarm about its long-term impact on employability.

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The Telephobia Epidemic

Recent studies reveal a startling statistic: 67% of office employees under 34 avoid answering work-related calls due to anxiety. This fear is so pervasive that 25% of young workers dodge even calls from known contacts if they’re unexpected. The result? Gen Z is gaining a reputation for “ghosting” employers by not responding to calls or interviews, a trend that has serious consequences for their career prospects.

In the UK, the issue has become so widespread that the Office for National Statistics (ONS) was forced to abandon key employment surveys because young people simply wouldn’t pick up their phones. Darren Morgan, ONS Director of Economic Statistics, attributes this behavior to the distracting influence of the internet and social media, noting that it’s a global issue, not just a local one.

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Why Gen Z Avoids the Phone

According to Max Datne, a psychology and management professor at Hult International Business School, phone calls are often associated with high-stakes situations or bad news. This perception makes Gen Z hesitant to answer, as they fear the worst. The anxiety is compounded by a lack of familiarity with phone conversations, as texting and digital communication dominate their daily interactions.

However, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Employers still rely on phone interviews to assess candidates’ communication skills, and a poor first impression during a phone screen can make or break a job opportunity. As career coach KL Elliot puts it, “You only get one first impression with an employer, and this is often during the phone screen. Your phone skills must be up to par.”

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A Solution: Voice Notes as a Stepping Stone

Experts are now exploring innovative ways to help Gen Z overcome telephobia. One promising solution is the use of voice notes. By practicing tone, message delivery, and spoken conversation through voice notes, young people can build confidence in their verbal communication skills. This approach serves as a low-pressure stepping stone to mastering phone conversations.

KL Elliot also recommends starting small by calling friends and family to get comfortable with speaking on the phone. “Develop a habit of calling rather than texting until it feels natural,” Elliot advises. Over time, these small steps can help Gen Z become more at ease with professional phone interactions.

Real-Life Success Stories

The importance of answering the phone cannot be overstated, as demonstrated by several high-profile executives who owe their careers to unexpected calls. Rohit Prasad, a key figure at Amazon and now head of its AI team, credits a single phone call in 2013 for launching his remarkable career. “When Amazon reached out about building Alexa, I had no clue what it was,” Prasad shared with Fortune at VivaTech in Paris. “If I hadn’t picked up, I might have missed out on a life-changing opportunity.”

Prasad’s story is not unique. Yirun Timberman, CEO of haircare brand GHD, received a surprise job offer that he wasn’t even seeking. Similarly, Disney’s Bob Iger returned to the company after an unexpected call, prompted by encouragement from his wife. These stories highlight a universal truth: opportunities often come as you stay true to your career. Focus on what you can control, continuously improve your skills, and when opportunity calls—literally—answer it.”

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