They’re coming. Most hiring teams recognize the changing of the workforce guard; this year the Millennials have taken over the majority demographic spot in the work world, as Baby Boomers continue their migration toward retirement. But the up-and-coming labor pool to watch is actually Generation Z, and they are making their way to your doorstep much faster than you might realize. Here’s how to prepare for Generation Z’s entry into the applicant work pool.
Attracting and Retaining Gen Z
If you feel like you have a handle on recruiting Millennials, you’re not done yet. Get ready for Generation Z, the population born between the mid-1990 to mid-2000. The oldest Gen Z in the workforce is around 23 years old. This year, 36% of the workforce will come from this youthful population. Employers should recognize some of the differences between this population and the generations that have come before them:
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- They are all about the tech. If your company is technology-driven and innovative, you stand a better chance of attracting Generation Z. 75% of this population say they are interested in STEM fields. According to Entrepreneur, 60% of Gen Z says they won’t use technology if it is too slow. This population expects seamless, functional software, and the ability to access information quickly. Employers can add collaborative and instant workplace tools like Slack, file management tools such as Dropbox, and project software like Trello or Basecamp to engage Generation Z employees.
- Generation Z demands ongoing and interactive feedback. Forget the old days of an annual review; this population wants to know how they’re doing in real-time. Generation Z’s are interested in continually improving and adding new skills both through formal credentialing and informal mentorships. To keep this population happy and motivated, set up career road mapping to chart their upward trajectory in your company. Also, offer mentoring and one-on-one coaching as part of your employee environment. Then share these programs with Generation Z recruits to attract them to your team.
- Generation Z, like Millennials, is very interested in the environment that they work in. Diversity, and corporate inclusion policies, is very important. Generation Z workers are also looking for innovative companies without a lot of bureaucracy to slow learning and productivity. They also look at companies with policies to protect the environment or with other types of “give back” programs that involve business in the communities they serve.
- Finally, Generation Z workers are interested in work/life balance and they look for companies that offer flexible work arrangements that emphasize health and wellness. Generation Z workers want to control their own schedules and will prefer companies that allow them to work from home at least some of the time.
When recruiting Generation Z workers, employers should take the time to revamp their application process to include a more mobile-first approach. Hiring teams should work to create a hiring experience that is fun and efficient. Generation Z will lose patients with outdated application processes and slow time-to-hire. Why should you care? Generation Z will rapidly replace the Millennial population as the dominant labor force. Companies that fail to prepare for this influx of talent will also fail to attract them.
Call Blackstone Today to Find Top Generation Z Talent
Talk with Blackstone about modernizing your hiring process to attract top technology talent of any age. We can help your team improve your hiring process.