Recruitment Strategies for Attracting and Retaining Gen Z Talent

Time to Read: 5 mins

Attracting and Retaining Gen Z Employees Summary:

• Gen Z is a tech-savvy, socially conscious generation that values flexibility, purpose, and work-life balance.
• Understanding their values and behaviors can help hiring managers form recruitment strategies to appeal to Gen Z talent.
• Ensuring a seamless onboarding experience, competitive compensation, and purpose-driven projects are ways your company can retain Gen Z employees.

As the workplace continues to evolve and introduces a new generation into the mix, staying ahead means keeping recruitment strategies fresh to attract and retain Gen Z employees. Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, Gen Z is quickly taking the workforce by storm, with mindsets very different from generations prior. Because of their experience, attitudes, and motivations, attracting and retaining this generation requires a tailored approach that acknowledges their unique characteristics, values, and expectations.

Understanding the Post-Millennial Generation

To effectively recruit and retain Gen Z talent, it helps to understand what traits to consider. Gen Z is often described as tech-savvy, entrepreneurial, and socially conscious. This generation grew up closely alongside the internet and have experienced the world through its rapidly changing technology.

Often described as digital natives, Gen Z is incredibly tech-savvy, giving high priority to efficiency and seamless digital experiences. This is the first generation to grow up with such easy access to the internet and they do not know a world without it. For Gen Z, technology is an inherent part of life. It is this unique exposure and upbringing with technology that has fostered independence and creativity.

Many within this generation aspire to be entrepreneurs or seek out unconventional career paths. Often, these characteristics lead to a search for workplaces that encourage innovation and self-expression. With that, Gen Z has immense social awareness and is deeply concerned about social and environmental issues, advocating for change. Members of this generation are more likely to seek out employers who share their values and who actively contribute to positive change.

Recruitment Strategies for Gen Z Employees

To attract Gen Z talent, here’s how your organization can adapt recruitment strategies to align and resonate with this generation’s values and behaviors.

1. Focus on Digital Recruitment

Gen Z may spend a lot of time on their devices, but they do more than just scroll for fun. Gen Z often goes digital-first when seeking out opportunities, information, and guidance. In fact, 54% of Gen Zers spend four hours or more a day on social media. Go where the audiences goes. Leverage social media, online job boards, and digital advertising to capture Gen Z’s attention.

2. Visual Content

Consuming extensive amounts of content, Gen Z has seen it all, and as a result, often respond best to visual storytelling. Crafting engaging and visually appealing job postings will go a long way in standing out among the vast competition. Take it a step further, and promote your company culture, values, and daily work through images and video.

3. Authentic Employer Branding

As a whole, Gen Z values authenticity and purpose in their work and are more likely to choose employers who align with their values and commitment to making a positive impact. To appeal to this trait, highlight your company’s mission, values, and social responsibility efforts. Keep in mind, Gen Z actively seeks out as much understanding as possible for an organization with a keen eye and can easily spot inauthenticity. Stay true to your brand, steering clear of exaggerations and embellishments, and you will attract Gen Z employees whose values align with the company’s.

4. Flexible Work Arrangements

Millennials started changing the narrative around work-life balance, but Gen Z has put only more emphasis on this movement. The importance of a healthy work environment and achieving work-life balance is strong with this generation, stronger than generations prior. Promoting and offering flexible work options, such as remote work or flexible hours, can be power play in your recruitment plan. Gen Z’s demonstrated ability for productivity in unique environments and in unconventional ways supports their desire for flexibility. Implementing these working options will attract this generation of creative thinkers and problem-solvers to your organization.

5. Utilize Technology

The recruitment industry has been working towards a more tech-forward process for years now and is setting standards. Gen Z is the generation that is challenging even the latest and greatest in efficiency and user experience, especially while searching for jobs. AI-driven tools and streamlined application processes bode well for a seamless and personalized candidate experience to attract Gen Z employees.

6. Diversity and Inclusion

Companies that place emphasis on a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace will attract a wider audience, most notably Gen Z. This generation’s strong appreciation for diversity and preference for an inclusive workplace should be strongly considered to bring in fresh perspectives and ideas to the team.

Onboarding, Integration, and Retention Actions

Capturing Gen Z’s attention with tailored recruitment strategies is one thing, but how can you ensure they stay on-board once hired? Gen Z has a reputation for job hopping and leaving positions earlier than their older counterparts. To combat this, specialized onboarding and integration strategies are essential to ensure their smooth transition into the organization and success beyond.

Tech-Savvy Onboarding: Implement a digital onboarding process that allows new hires to complete paperwork, training, and orientation tasks online.

Career Development: Offer clear paths for career growth within the organization and consider opportunities for inter-department collaboration. Many Gen Z employees have vast skillsets that can crossover to various departments. Gen Z seeks opportunities for advancement and have a desire well-rounded growth.

Regular Feedback: Provide regular feedback and recognition for their contributions will help keep them in the know of where things stand in the company. Favoring clear, straightforward communications, Gen Z relies on constructive feedback to aid in their growth and improvement.

Competitive Compensation: Ensure that compensation and benefits packages are not only competitive, but clearly stated. 70% of Gen Z prioritize pay/salary as a top aspect they want from their next job.

Work-Life Balance: Promote a healthy work-life balance that encourages employees to take breaks and prioritize self-care. Gen Z recognizes everyone as multi-faceted humans with complex lives outside of work. Being transparent about the needs and realities of work and life will help earn the trust and respect of Gen Z employees and create an open line of communication for the entire organization.

Purpose-Driven Projects: Engage Gen Z employees in purpose-driven projects that align with their values and need for fulfilling work. Gen Z is highly motivated by the potential positive impact that could make with their work, especially as it pertains to current events.

Employee Referrals: Establish and promote a strong employee referral program. Gen Z trusts the opinions of their friends and colleagues and will often go to them for guidance and advice. Encouraging your current employees to refer their peers, especially Gen Z. A strong employee referral program will help you grow your network of qualified employees and reinforce the value placed on employee opinions.

In Conclusion

As Gen Z becomes an integral part of the workforce, organizations are adapting their recruitment and retention strategies to cater to this Post-Millennial generation. By understanding Gen Z’s values, preferences, and behaviors, hiring managers can implement tailored approaches to attract top talent and cultivate a diverse and innovative workforce. Winning over Gen Z requires a commitment to digital engagement, continuous learning and understanding, and a purpose-driven workplace culture.

Looking for fresh talent to join your team? Profiles specialized recruiters can help you find Gen Z employees that will seamlessly fit in with your organization. Contact us today!