Younger employees have introduced a number of new trends in the workplace to oppose what they consider outdated standards and to create careers that fit with their personal values of flexibility and work-life balance. Some of these practices like “revenge-quitting” are deceptive. Gen Z also has the corporate world on high alert about the common and deceptive no-show trends of “career catfishing” and “office ghosting.”

Why Gen Z Are ‘Career Catfishing’ And ‘Office Ghosting’
In the past, “catfishing” has referred to someone pretending to be someone else online—a well-known challenge in the dating and cyberspace worlds. In the world of work, “ career catfishing” occurs when job seekers give fake or rosy information or outright lie to hiring managers. Some recruiters are guilty of the deceptive practice, too, giving false descriptions, presenting a rosy picture of a job that causes “shift shock” on behalf of young workers the first day on the job.
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Data from Owl Labs sheds light on why “career catfishing” is emerging and indicates that certain incentives could encourage young workers to feel more committed to their new jobs. “Career catfishing”—the trend of job seekers accepting a job and refusing to show up on the first day—is a reflection of simmering gripes from a new generation of workers. It’s one way Gen Z tries to take back power in their professional lives, but it’s also a sign of a deeper and growing divide between big business and the younger generation.
The Owl Labs report shows that 45% of Gen Z workers have reported increased stress, and the data shows that many of them are seeking better compensation and benefits, better work-life balance and more career growth opportunities. When their needs are not met, they find creative ways, like “career catfishing” and “office ghosting” to push back.
The Owl Labs report surveyed 2,000 full-time workers in the United States. Key findings include:
Gen Z leads the way in posting their workplace gripes on social media.
34% of U.S. workers—including 48% of Gen Z employees—have posted about their jobs or employers negatively on social media.
Gen Z leads a boundary-setting shift in the workplace.
Employees are increasingly setting firm boundaries, with Gen Z leading the charge.
One in five workers refuse to take on work outside of their specific job descriptions.
20% don’t answer company communications outside of work hours.
‘Career Catfishing’ And ‘Office Ghosting’ Escalation

As stricter return-to-office mandates continue to roll out—most recently Trump’s order for federal workers to return to the office five days a week—the ongoing tug-of-war between employers and employees is escalating.
Trends like “hybrid hierarchy”—a term used when top talent can enjoy flexible schedules while other employees are required to be in the office—are fueling the flames. “Office ghosting”—when workers claim to be on-site but rarely show up—also is raising concerns about the impact on company culture and employee engagement, morale and productivity.
There’s also a rise among companies, guilty of “office ghosting”—posting fake jobs or advertisements for positions that have already been filled. Peter Duris, CEO of Kickresume provides insight into these practices and how job candidates can spot and avoid them. “Job boards are an easy way to see who’s hiring right now, but sometimes companies post listings they don’t plan to fill—or that don’t even exist,” Duris told me.
He says these “ghost jobs” might be uploaded as a formality after they’ve already found the perfect candidate. Sometimes the company is simply testing the waters without actually looking to hire, he explains, adding that companies should be mindful of this practice because ghosting fake jobs can make job seekers lose trust in them.
“There are a few ways to spot ghost jobs,” Duris states. “If a listing doesn’t have a clear timestamp or was posted months ago, it’s worth being cautious. Most roles get filled much faster than that. Usually, the hiring manager might’ve just forgotten to remove it. However, sometimes it’s left up intentionally.”
He cautions that you might also see the job on Indeed or another search site, but not on the company’s own website.“If you’re unsure about a listing, it’s always a good idea to reach out to the company directly by email or phone to ask if the role is still open,” he suggests. “Talking to someone at the company can help you find out how serious they are about hiring right now.”
Final Wrap On ‘Career Catfishing’ And ‘Office Ghosting’
The younger generation of employees has a different set of values from more seasoned workers. Gen Z don’t feel obligated to follow in the footsteps of their older counterparts and refuse to adhere to traditional methods of professionalism in the workplace. I spoke with the founder and CEO of dcdx, Andrew Roth, who told me it’s not that his generation of Gen Zs don’t care about professionalism. He argues that they simply want to be met halfway and receive the same level of respect they give to their employers.
Roth asserts that, “Leadership, culture and the workplace as a whole are now built collaboratively with a push and pull across the threads of an organization—not just a push from the top down.” But it’s clear that, instead of meeting halfway, disruptive practices like “career catfishing” and “office ghosting” only fuel the tug-of-war and further undermine trust and collaboration between employers and employees.

