6 in 10 Managers Say Gen Z Needs Constant Praise, Especially When They Fail

In August, ResumeTemplates.com surveyed 1,050 U.S. managers who directly manage Gen Z employees to understand how this generation handles feedback and recognition.

Takeaways:

• 3 in 4 managers say Gen Z employees need more praise than previous generations
• 71% say Gen Z expects praise for meeting basic expectations, and 58% say they want it even when they fail
• 3 in 10 managers report that Gen Z employees have cried after receiving negative feedback
• 10% of managers say a Gen Z employee’s parent has contacted them following critical feedback
• 38% say Gen Z employees have called out sick the day after being given feedback, and 27% say they’ve quit
• 6 in 10 say Gen Zers’ performance improves with more praise

3 in 4 Managers Report Gen Z Needs More Praise Than Previous Generations

According to the survey, 76% of managers believe Gen Z employees need more recognition than older workers. About 71% say Gen Z seeks praise for simply meeting basic expectations, and 58% believe they still want it even when they fall short.

Verbal praise is the most common way managers recognize Gen Z employees, with 19% giving it daily and 84% providing it at least weekly. Additionally, 37% use email, 27% use recognition software, 23% give shoutouts during meetings, and 21% offer praise via Slack or similar tools at least several times a week.

Nearly two-thirds of managers feel pressured to balance every critique with a positive comment. Notably, six in 10 managers say Gen Z’s performance improves when they receive more praise, underscoring the role recognition plays in driving productivity.

“Effective managers know feedback works best when recognition and constructive input go together,” says ResumeTemplates.com’s Chief Career Strategist Julia Toothacre. “The sandwich method is a simple way to do this by placing constructive feedback between two positives. This approach creates a healthier environment where employees can improve while still feeling valued.”

Gen Zers Will Call Out Sick or Cry in Response to Critical Feedback

Managers report heightened tension around delivering feedback. While most don’t avoid it entirely, 15% say they avoid giving feedback often, and 29% admit they sometimes do. On top of that, 57% say they often (22%) or sometimes (35%) feel stressed when delivering criticism. This is likely because there can be real consequences of giving Gen Z employees negative feedback.

Nearly four in 10 managers (38%) say employees have called out sick the day after receiving critical feedback, while 30% report they’ve cried in response. Additionally, 27% say Gen Z workers have quit after negative feedback, 23% say employees have gone to HR, and 18% have even been posted about online. About 10% of managers say a Gen Z employee’s parent has contacted them following critical feedback.

“When managers withhold feedback, everyone loses. Employees miss out on growth opportunities, teams suffer from unresolved issues, and trust in leadership is broken,” says Toothacre. “If managers are struggling to give feedback, it’s a signal that they need more training and support. Having tough conversations is a necessary part of the job.”

“They’re used to being given gold stars for doing nothing.”

In their write-in responses, many managers voiced frustration over how difficult it can be to give Gen Z employees feedback:

• “You feel like you’re walking on eggshells. You can say 100 positive things, but one negative thing about their performance, and they take forever to get over it.”
• “Gen Z employees seem to require praise for activities older workers assume are just part of the job.”
• “Negative feedback always needs to be cushioned with encouragement; otherwise, they hang on to the one negative comment and let it fester.”
• “They can’t handle correction or discipline without crying about it and thinking rules and expectations don’t apply to them.”
• “They’re used to being given gold stars for doing nothing when growing up and now think the world should constantly celebrate them.”

Methodology: Resume.org commissioned this survey, which was conducted via Pollfish in August 2025. A total of 1,050 U.S. managers participated. Demographic and screening criteria ensured all respondents hold management-level positions and have Gen Z direct reports.