It’s official – Gen-Z talent will make up roughly 27% of the workforce by 2025, and they’re making tidal waves of change. This is a highly diverse group of people who have high expectations of the workplace and value organizations dedicated to helping them evolve professionally. Gen-Z brings a fresh perspective to their work, new strategies, and they aren’t afraid to break barriers and stray away from traditional practices.
Let’s discuss four different ways on how you can crack the code and attract & retain this group of job-seekers who are bound to make an impact on your business.
Determine Your Work/Life Balance Practice
One of the most notable things about Generation-Z is the importance of a solid work-life balance. They are committed to breaking the cycle of hustle culture that has carried on for many generations and caused employee burnout. Gen-Z is all about setting boundaries with their employers and prioritizing their mental health and wellbeing.
What should employers do?
Employers should shift their mindset with flexibility and adaptability in mind. This means being open to their employees choosing their work environment. Remember, this generation’s lives were impacted by the pandemic, so there are some people who may prefer the WFH life and others who are itching for face-to-face interactions. As a result, place an emphasis on the ability to choose where colleagues work; whether it’s hybrid, remote, or in the office.
Gen-Z desires opportunities to grow
Secondly, growth opportunities are important to Gen-Z. They strive to expand their skill set and want to become well-rounded professionals, even if it means making time aside from their 9-5’s to attend a Linkedin course or read a book. Altogether, these individuals feel more productive and engaged when they’re able to learn and build skills that they can apply in all areas of life.
What should employers do?
Employers should consider investing in professional development opportunities for their colleagues. Organizations can implement this in a few different ways. For instance, create a club dedicated to reading professional development books, invite a guest speaker to chat with colleagues, or host quarterly training sessions on different topics. If employers do more of this, they’ll not only empower Gen-Z colleagues, but they’ll efficiently retain them.
Diverse and Inclusive Workplaces Matter
While compensation is important, it may not be the deciding factor on whether or not Gen-Z talent chooses your organization. In fact, Gen-Z talent deeply cares about diversity and inclusion. They will analyze workplaces to verify that they are equitable and have diversity & inclusion strategies in place. Zoomers want diverse voices to be heard at the conference table as they often offer unique and innovative solutions.
What should employers do?
Employers should conduct company surveys to gather feedback on how colleagues feel about the D&I practices in place. Make an effort and get to know your colleagues no matter where they sit in the organization and embrace differences.
Core values & Company Culture Are Crucial
Last, but not least, do not overlook core values and company culture. Just like diversity and inclusion, these are make or break attributes. Regardless of generations, lack of core values and company culture destroy employee retention. Gen-Z is more likely to engage with your organization when the culture is authentic and builds common values. In other words, these individuals want to be proud of where they work and know they are making a difference.
What should employers do?
Employers should define their core values and strive to create an uplifting company culture. Organizations should ask themselves, “What values do we embody that sets us apart from other organizations?” or “How can we empower our colleagues to succeed?”. Establish these principles and use them as guidance for personal and professional success. All in all, Gen-Z talent will perform exceptionally better and are likely to stay with an organization that supports them.
About Comrise
At Comrise, we offer customized solutions that are simplified for full-time, part-time, direct-hire, contract, and permanent talent. For over 38 years, we have delighted our customers by focusing on customer satisfaction, innovation, and flexible workforce solutions!
Read more about Comrise here.