How to successfully recruit and retain Gen Z
- Key insight: Learn how Gen Z demands (flexibility, skills, meaningful work) are redefining business value propositions.
- What’s at stake: Companies risk losing talent and reducing productivity without updated benefits and training.
- Looking ahead: Prepare for AI-powered role changes; training and flexible PTO will become a strategic priority.
Source: AI generated bullets with editorial review.
Gen Z workers are redefining what makes a workplace attractive, seeking more flexibility, mental health, career growth and more meaningful workplace experiences.
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According to data from the National Association of High School Scholars, Gen Z is most likely to gain skills and professional development and have a positive work environment. Organizations should include demonstrations of a genuine commitment to work-life balance, flexible benefits, and inclusive policies and programs that support diverse future needs, such as comprehensive PTO plans and training and education efforts.
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“Organizations should provide (young people) with the support and resources they need to see that companies want to make a difference in their personal and professional lives,” said James Lewis, president and co-founder of NSHSS. “If a company strengthens that initiative and encourages it, it will not only attract this generation, it will retain them.”
Here are some of the ways employers will need to think outside the box moving forward if they want to hire and retain Gen Z.
Access to mental health care matters
Young professionals are doing everything they can to bring better mental health services to their workplace. Research from The Standard shows that 20% of Gen Z men have taken time off for mental health reasons, compared to 14% of millennials, 11% of Gen Xers and 6% of baby boomers. Gen Z men are taking mental health leave at the same rate as Gen Z women, suggesting a shift in support-seeking attitudes.
Driving much of this need are some of the situations that the younger generation is struggling with. For example, while caregiver burnout affects workers of all ages, the data revealed that Gen Z, the youngest caregivers in the workforce, are being hit the hardest: 62% said caregiving reduces their job performance, compared to 44% of millennials and 45% of Gen Xers, and 50% said caregiving has damaged personal relationships.
For organizations, expanding mental health benefits can be key to easing this burden on their employees.
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Why AI is at the forefront
Submissions for US entry-level jobs have fallen 35% in the past year, according to a recent survey by workforce intelligence firm Revelio Labs, with AI playing a big role in the decline. While the shift in job availability has signaled the rapid and successful adoption of technology, it risks worsening an already difficult job market for young people.
However, Gen Z doesn’t let opportunities stop them. According to data from software company ICIMS, Gen Z candidates make up more than 80% of all tech job applications, although the pathways to these roles are starting to disappear. All they need from workplaces is more opportunities for organizations to learn how to use AI to their advantage.
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Traditional benefits won’t cut it
According to the National Association of High School Scholars’ biennial Career Interest Survey, young talent (including soon-to-be graduates and early-career professionals) placed traditional advantages lower on their list. While health coverage (72%) and paid time off or flexible hours (62%) remain important, most respondents prioritize fair treatment, work-life balance and corporate social responsibility as qualities they look for in prospective employers.
More progressive benefits and advantages, such as language learning, are increasingly sought after. In fact, when asked if language learning would be more valuable for their profession, 45% mentioned clear career paths related to language skills. A further 34% want an employer-recognised certificate, 31% industry-specific language training and 22% visa or international mobility support.
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