By the year 2030, the number of Gen Z employees is expected to triple. That means that people born roughly between 1995 and 2015 will soon make up 30 per cent of the global workforce and will play a vital role in shaping the workplace for decades to come.
This new cohort of workers is creative, adaptable, values-driven, and intentional in their career choices. To attract Gen Z to your company, you should consider what truly matters to them. Today we want more from our employers — more flexibility, more authenticity, more career advancement.
Here are a few things to keep top of mind for attracting and retaining this generation.
Gen Z vs. Previous Generations
According to Pew Research Centre, here are some comparisons of Gen Z to earlier generations:
- Gen Z is less prone to high school dropouts and more inclined to pursue higher education by enrolling in college.
- Gen Z displays greater racial and ethnic diversity.
- Gen Z tends to have fewer work experiences during their teenage and young adult years.
Gaining an understanding of Gen Z’s preferences, behaviours, and backgrounds can assist recruiters in developing more impactful strategies to attract this generation to the existing workforce.
What is Gen Z Quitting?
“Gen Z quitting” refers to the phenomenon where individuals belonging to Generation Z (those born roughly between 1997 and 2012) voluntarily leave their jobs or discontinue their employment. It reflects the trend of Gen Z employees being more willing to quit their jobs compared to previous generations.
This could be due to various factors such as seeking better opportunities, dissatisfaction with their current job or work environment, a desire for work-life balance, or a focus on pursuing their passions and personal fulfilment.
Gen Z’s willingness to quit their jobs has implications for employers and organizations in terms of talent retention, employee engagement, and understanding the evolving expectations of the younger workforce.
How to Hire and Attract Gen Z Employees
When hiring Gen Z employees, it’s essential to understand their preferences, values, and expectations. Here are some strategies HR Solutions can use to effectively attract and hire Gen Z talent:
Utilize Digital Recruitment Channels
Gen Z is highly connected and relies heavily on digital platforms for job searching. Advertise job openings on popular online job boards, social media platforms, and professional networking sites. Utilize digital recruitment strategies, such as video interviews or virtual career fairs, to engage with Gen Z candidates effectively.
Showcase Your Company Culture and Values
Gen Z values workplace culture and aligns with organizations that share their values. Clearly communicate your company’s mission, values, and culture through your website, social media, and recruitment materials. Highlight initiatives related to sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and social responsibility to attract Gen Z candidates who prioritize these aspects.
Emphasize Career Growth Opportunities
Gen Z is eager to learn and grow in their careers. Clearly outline opportunities for skill development, advancement, and mentorship within your organization. Highlight training programs, ongoing learning initiatives, and career paths to demonstrate your commitment to their professional development.
Offer Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
Gen Z appreciates flexibility in their work arrangements. Highlight any flexible work options, remote work opportunities, or flexible scheduling policies your organization offers. Emphasize the importance of work-life balance and how your company supports employee well-being.
Provide an Engaging and Innovative Hiring Experience
Gen Z appreciates interactive and engaging experiences. Consider incorporating gamified assessments or video interviews in the hiring process. Provide clear and timely communication throughout the hiring stages to keep Gen Z candidates engaged and interested in the role.
Leverage Social Proof and Employee Testimonials
Gen Z trusts peer recommendations and social proof. Share testimonials or success stories from current Gen Z employees within your organization. Encourage your employees to share their positive experiences on platforms like Glassdoor or LinkedIn to establish credibility and attract Gen Z candidates.
Demonstrate Technology Adoption
Gen Z is tech-savvy and expects companies to leverage technology. Showcase the technologies and digital tools your organization utilizes to enhance productivity, collaboration, and communication. This demonstrates your organization’s ability to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.
Highlight Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
Gen Z values diversity and inclusion. Showcase your organization’s commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Highlight initiatives, employee resource groups, or diversity awards to demonstrate your dedication to creating an equitable and inclusive environment.
Conduct Purposeful Interviews
Gen Z appreciates authentic and meaningful interactions. During interviews, focus on understanding their career goals, values, and aspirations. Ask questions that gauge their alignment with your company’s mission and culture. Provide them with an opportunity to showcase their skills and accomplishments.
Communicate Transparently and Efficiently
Gen Z appreciates transparent and prompt communication. Clearly communicate the hiring process, timeline, and expectations from the beginning. Provide timely updates and feedback to keep candidates informed and engaged throughout the hiring journey.
Remember, individual preferences may vary within Gen Z, so it’s important to tailor your hiring strategies and approaches based on the specific needs and expectations of the candidates you are targeting.
Why You Should Hire Gen Z Employees?
There are several reasons why hiring Gen Z employees can be beneficial for organizations:
Technological Proficiency
Gen Z has grown up in a highly connected and digital world, making them naturally tech-savvy. They are quick to adapt to new technologies and can bring valuable insights into leveraging digital tools and platforms effectively within the workplace.
Fresh Perspective and Creativity
As a younger generation, Gen Z brings fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. They can offer creative solutions to challenges, think outside the box, and bring a unique approach to problem-solving.
Diversity and Inclusion
Gen Z is known for its diverse and inclusive mindset. Hiring Gen Z employees can contribute to a more diverse workforce, which brings different perspectives, experiences, and cultural insights. This diversity can enhance creativity, collaboration, and decision-making within the organization.
Adaptability and Resilience
Gen Z has experienced significant disruptions such as economic downturns, global crises, and rapid technological advancements. This has instilled in them a sense of adaptability, resilience, and the ability to navigate change effectively. They can contribute to a flexible and agile work environment.
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Gen Z tends to be entrepreneurial and self-starting. They are eager to take ownership of their work, seek opportunities for growth, and contribute to meaningful projects. Hiring Gen Z employees can bring an entrepreneurial spirit to the organization and foster a culture of innovation.
Social Consciousness
Gen Z is often characterized by their strong social consciousness and desire to make a positive impact on the world. They prioritize organizations that align with their values and are involved in social and environmental causes. By hiring Gen Z employees, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and attract customers and clients who value these principles.
Tech-Driven Customer Insights
Gen Z is a valuable demographic for many businesses due to their purchasing power and influence. Hiring Gen Z employees can provide organizations with valuable insights into this consumer group, their preferences, and behaviours, enabling businesses to better understand and target this market segment effectively.
Overall, hiring Gen Z employees brings a range of advantages, including technological proficiency, fresh perspectives, diversity, adaptability, and a socially conscious mindset. Embracing the unique qualities and perspectives of Gen Z can contribute to the growth, innovation, and long-term success of organizations in an ever-evolving business landscape.