In today’s professional world, ghosting—the sudden cessation of communication without explanation—continues to rise across industries, presenting challenges for employers and employees alike. Once confined to the dating world, ghosting is a significant business problem. Its passive-aggressive nature can harm reputations and create long-term career setbacks.
Recent Trends in Professional Ghosting
Indeed‘s latest survey reveals that 75% of workers have ghosted employers in the last year, with Gen Z leading the trend. Surprisingly, 87% of Gen Z (ages 18-27 years) candidates reported ghosting employers even after securing job offers and signing contracts. Their actions are often driven by a desire to assert control over career decisions, though the impacts on employers can be severe, disrupting hiring processes and increasing operational costs.
The issue isn’t limited to candidates—employers are also guilty. Around 23% of workers have experienced employers retracting offers without notice or failing to attend scheduled interviews. This mutual ghosting has blurred professional etiquette, with over half of workers justifying their actions as a response to employer behavior.
Impact on Hiring Processes and the Workplace
Ghosting complicates recruitment, as 39% of U.S. employers report the phenomenon worsening over the past two years. Technology, administrative, and customer support roles are especially vulnerable, with managers in these sectors highlighting ghosting as a growing problem. Robert Half says common reasons cited by candidates for ghosting include poor interview experience (33%), competing job offers (29%), and roles that didn’t meet expectations (23%).
Candidates and employers sometimes cite time-consuming hiring processes and mandatory return-to-office policies as contributing factors. To prevent ghosting, experts recommend transparency, quick response times, and meaningful engagement throughout the hiring process.
As workplace expert Adam Grant notes, “In a professional setting, silence isn’t just disrespectful; it’s disruptive.”
Manners Matter More Than Ever
Ghosting, whether by employees or employers, undermines trust and professionalism. A lack of follow-through signals disrespect, arrogance, and insensitivity—not the qualities anyone wants to be known for in a professional network. Positive behaviors, such as open communication and timely responses, remain the cornerstones of a respectful work environment.
For companies and job seekers, addressing ghosting is not just a courtesy but a strategic imperative. Creating open communication channels, speeding up decision-making processes, and offering flexibility can mitigate ghosting and foster long-term professional relationships.
For more insights on fostering professional success and avoiding career pitfalls, contact Timothy Dimoff and explore his talk, Habits of Exceptionally Successful People.
