Millions of Jobless Gen Z Ghost Employers Over Phone Anxiety

A significant number of Gen Z young adults are experiencing 'phone anxiety,' leading 67% of those under 34 to avoid answering work calls, which may be contributing to their high unemployment rates and affecting employment data collection, such as Britain's Office for National Statistics scrapping key data. Experts highlight that phone calls are often perceived as high-stakes or bad news, discouraging these young workers from picking up, despite the fact that crucial career opportunities have historically come from answering unexpected calls, as seen with Amazon’s Rohit Prasad and Disney’s Bob Iger. To combat this, psychologists and career advisors recommend starting with voice notes and practicing phone conversations with friends and family to build confidence. Meanwhile, Gen Z faces broader job insecurity, with 64% fearing layoffs amid an overall labor market that remains relatively stable but marked by recent corporate job cuts and increased underemployment, especially in trade and white-collar sectors affected by automation and AI. This insecurity is prompting shifts in career priorities toward healthcare and caregiving roles, which are less vulnerable to automation and aligned with Gen Z’s preference for purpose-driven work, making related sectors attractive for investors. Additionally, Gen Z’s skepticism of traditional education is increasing demand for vocational and AI literacy training, potentially benefiting companies that provide skill transition solutions.