Now that millennials are mid-career and you’ve finally figured out how they think, it’s time to focus on the next generational wave: Gen Z. The oldest members of this cohort are already working, and 60 million more will be entering the workforce in the next decade. Are you ready for them? We’ll show you how to recruit Gen Z employees by helping you understand who they are, what they value, and what they want from a job.
Born from roughly 1995, Gen Z made up 32 percent of the global population in 2019 and 24 percent of the workforce in 2020. True digital natives, the internet, smartphones, virtual reality, and social media have been constantly present throughout their lives. They grew up in a society shaped by economic uncertainty and global upheaval, and they are no strangers to discussions around climate change, gender, equality, and diversity. And while they share some similarities with millennials, Gen Z candidates are seeking vastly different things from the recruitment process, a job, and a working lifestyle.
So, how can you build a workplace to attract the top talent this group has to offer? Understand their psychological profile and leverage it in your recruiting efforts. Here are six traits common to most Gen Z employees:
Seemingly born with a cell phone already in hand, Gen Z is the most technologically adept generation yet. So much so that 91 percent say the technology offered by an employer would influence their job choice. Additionally, social media is an integral part of their daily lives, with Snapchat and Instagram being the preferred platforms (not Facebook). They also frequently seek out online reviews before committing to anything.
How to Capitalize:
Gen Zers grew up in the midst of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and watched as their families struggled with the economic fallout from the 2008 recession (and now the COVID-19 pandemic). These events deeply affected their worldview, and as a whole, Gen Z tends to seek employers who offer stability, security, and job growth. Most are aware of the need to constantly upskill and reskill, and 59 percent don’t think their job will exist in the same form 20 years from now.
How to Capitalize:
Autonomy, flexibility, and work-life balance are key considerations for Gen Z employees. They want their jobs to fit into their lives, not the other way around, and they understand that positions other than a standard 9 to 5 are available. Gig economy jobs that allow them the freedom to live life the way they want can be a big draw.
How to Capitalize:
The most racially and ethnically diverse generation yet, 48 percent of Gen Zers are non-white. During their formative years, they witnessed the legalization of gay marriage, the inauguration of Barack Obama as president, and other events that deeply influenced their attitudes about inclusivity. They care about working for progressive organizations that exhibit a commitment to diversity.
How to Capitalize:
Gen Z employees are drawn to purpose-driven organizations that share their values. They also tend to avoid employers embroiled in scandals or ones that don’t take a position on societal issues. But they can also smell a fake from a mile away, and despite their tech savvy, 74 percent prefer face-to-face communications.
How to Capitalize:
If you are interested in learning more ways to recruit and retain the best Gen Z employees (and other generations, too), USF’s Human Resources Certificate can help. With courses in talent acquisition and planning, compensation design, employee benefits planning, and more, it offers the modern tools you need to develop a multi-generational workforce. Explore our upcoming live online courses for more information.