{"id":7531,"date":"2022-11-27T23:24:13","date_gmt":"2022-11-27T23:24:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/?p=7531"},"modified":"2022-11-27T23:24:13","modified_gmt":"2022-11-27T23:24:13","slug":"hiring-retaining-gen-z-talent","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/hiring-retaining-gen-z-talent\/","title":{"rendered":"Hiring &#038; Retaining Gen Z Talent"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1><b>Hiring &amp; Retaining Gen Z Talent<br \/>\n<\/b><\/h1>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is undeniable that the number of Gen Z\u2019s making up today\u2019s talent pool is skyrocketing. It is predicted that by 2030, Gen Z employees are expected to triple, meaning the people born roughly between the years of 1995 and 2015 will make up 30% of the global workforce, shaping it for decades to come.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the most part, this cohort of young, vibrant workers is adaptable, tech-savvy, values driven, diverse and socially aware, and above all, intentional in their career choices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite the technical expertise and value the newer generation brings, many organisations fail to recruit and retain this age bracket. The result? Disappointment and frustration for more than capable candidates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With this in mind, our recruitment specialists share the best business practices on<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> how to retain Gen Z talent <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and help organisations move their talent strategy forward into the future.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><b>The Boomers versus the Gen Z workforce<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some eye-opening statistics about the Gen Z workforce to put things into perspective on what recruiters, hiring managers and organisations are encountering.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to understanding, attracting and retaining potential employees (in this case Gen Z), it begins with the simple understanding of recognising their views- which may be completely different from older generations. Then, using this information to create an employer value proposition (EVP) that is relevant to their job requirements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, easier said than done.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a study by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.allegisgroup.com\/en-au\/insights\/millennials-and-genz\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Allegis Group,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 71% of Gen Zs believe most organisations today lack certain benefits. It is these organisational qualities listed above that attract and retain newer workers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It will take more than the occasional free lunches and pool tables to engage with Gen Z workers, and even younger millennials.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The study also revealed that HR decision makers in the Allegis Group survey claimed that <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201corganisations today fall short in delivering specific benefits embraced by Gen Z workers\u201d<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Career development including mentorships, non-linear paths and executive FaceTime.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flexibility at work such as hybrid working environments.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Creative perks such as pet insurance or student loan assistance.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Additionally, Gen Z candidates are statistically the most diverse generation in the workforce and look beyond salary and benefits when job hunting, yet the Allegis Group study also reveals that:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only 17% of organisations consider diversity and inclusion (D&amp;I) as a key part of their EVP.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">79% of D&amp;I programs are not supported with a well-understood strategy.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">83% of organisations do not have well-defined employee success metrics.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">88% of organisations do not believe their current D&amp;I programs successfully attract Gen Z talent.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Hiring Gen Zs<\/b><b> best hiring practices<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, what exactly are the best ways to attract and retain employees aged 23 years or younger, especially when COVID-19 restrictions wreak havoc on a company&#8217;s hiring processes and make it difficult for potential employees limited insight into what an organisation is really like?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We outline five of our top 5 tips on <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to retain Gen Z talent <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and retain them with your company.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>1. Improve your career site &amp; update any job descriptions<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First and foremost, organisations must optimise their website and make it attractive enough to reel in the Gen Z workforce. A company\u2019s career page is the foundation of their recruitment marketing strategy, particularly for the digitally-savvy Gen Zers. Prior to hiring, you should use best web design, SEO and content strategy practices to outline the most important job information, modernise your website and attract more candidates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Optimisation tactics to improve job descriptions include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Being transparent with the career roles.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Highlight mission, values and company culture from the get-go, using inclusive language.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Minimise the number of documents required during the application process (additional documents can deter the best from pursuing the application further).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be completely transparent when it comes to salary expectations (Millenials and Gen Z are behind a growing movement toward salary transparency as a lever for equity).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Organisations should also consider building their employee influence network as most Gen Zers require referrals when looking for potential employers. Invite your current employees to share their work lives on social media, build your work culture profile and feature employees&#8217; content with candidates to provide potential candidates a window into your business.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>2. Double down on growth &amp; development<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Members of Generation Z thrive on clear development opportunities so they can simultaneously develop their skills while progressing in their roles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employers should also look into expanding their internal talent marketplace online. This allows potential employees in the Gen Z bracket to identify opportunities that interest them and test new responsibilities beyond their current roles.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Matt Thomas, a director of talent acquisition for Inspire Brands in Atlanta, he claims that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generation Z are very likely to demand complete transparency for opportunities for advancement, and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cdon&#8217;t care so much about job titles, but instead what their opportunity is for growth,&#8221;. <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serious events such as the Great Recession and the current pandemic have encouraged Gen Zers to grow more cautious in terms of career growth security.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>3. Revisit the experience requirement in your job listings<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generation Z and younger Millennials are more likely to be online researching and job hunting, however, that doesn&#8217;t mean they&#8217;re confident in the process.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In an<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/business\/talent\/blog\/talent-acquisition\/how-to-attract-and-retain-young-talent\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">October 2021 LinkedIn survey<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> a third of Gen Z job seekers (29%) state that &#8220;<\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what&#8217;s holding them back is that they don\u2019t know where to start&#8221;<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is the result of organisations not labelling their job listings correctly. For Gen Z jobseekers starting their career, entry-level jobs should be just that- a stepping stone for people entering the workforce to find work.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, many &#8220;entry-level&#8221; positions ask for employees with more than three years of experience. This is not a reasonable request for someone who has just begun their career journey. According to another<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/pulse\/hirings-new-red-line-why-newcomers-cant-land-35-jobs-george-anders\/?trackingId=ULoLUwrkQ3yZl1s%2BWNBI1Q%3D%3D\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">survey from LinkedIn<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, experts analysed data from nearly 4 million jobs posted between December 2017 and August 2021, employers required a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience on over 35% of their entry-level job postings.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With experience inflation, companies inadvertently prevent newer talent from ever having a chance to prove themselves. While hiring entry-level employees that can check every box, companies could be missing out on some great talent out there.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>4. Double down of work flexibility<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If we&#8217;ve learned anything from the pandemic, it&#8217;s that workplace flexibility is now a necessity, not just a nice-to-have. LinkedIn&#8217;s January 2022 LinkedIn survey outlined that Gen Z (72%), is the generation most likely to leave (or have left) a job due to their employer not upholding a flexible work policy, compared to 69% of millennials, 53% of Gen X, and 59% of boomers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To land more Gen Z talent, organisations in response should create more remote and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com\/au\/jobs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hybrid positions. <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The working lives of this unique generation have also been largely defined by the pandemic. As a result, they also crave in-person collaboration with their colleagues as much as work flexibility.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Companies should embrace a culture of flexibility where employees, new and old, take active roles in determining their in-or-out office schedules for a greater work-life balance.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><b>5. Focus on the technical skills of tomorrow<br \/>\n<\/b><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To lay the foundation for future success with their Gen Z employees, companies should have a concrete vision of their IT systems. With enterprise applications now being delivered via the cloud, it&#8217;s essential that companies bring new IT teams consisting of data scientists, security experts, cloud and virtualisation specialists, and more. Over time, technologies always evolve along with changes in business landscapes necessitating the combination of specified tech-savvy Gen Z professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4 style=\"text-align: center;\"><b>We know you\u2019re also on a learning journey! If you want to discover more about the latest news on hiring early-career workers, <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com\/au\/contact\/\"><b>gain insights<\/b><\/a><b> from our specialist <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com\/au\/employers\/recruitment-services\/\"><b>recruitment consultants<\/b><\/a><b> at Gough Recruitment today.\u00a0<\/b><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Hiring &amp; Retaining Gen Z Talent &nbsp; It is undeniable that the number of Gen Z\u2019s making up today\u2019s talent pool is skyrocketing. It is predicted that by 2030, Gen Z employees are expected to triple, meaning the people born roughly between the years of 1995 and 2015 will make up 30% of the global &hellip;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"> <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/hiring-retaining-gen-z-talent\/\"> <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Hiring &#038; Retaining Gen Z Talent<\/span> Read More &raquo;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":7535,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"default","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7531","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-industry-insights"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7531","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7531"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7531\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8467,"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7531\/revisions\/8467"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media\/7535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7531"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7531"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.goughrecruitment.com.au\/af-api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7531"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}