Author Article by Dr. Ganesh Nikam, Co-Founder & CEO of Biojobz
Every decade and a half, a completely new generation of workforce joins the employment bandwagon and comes with the necessary adjustment and alignment which employers need to undertake. Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and the early 2010s, referred to as Gen Z, is the newest entry. Gen Z employees bring unique skills, values, workstyles, and expectations to the workplace. The current mix of employees of a sufficiently old organisation would see the existence of 3 generational employees at one time. The newer order pushes the existing order, and hence change management becomes important.
Even before a Gen Z employee becomes a part of the company, organisations need to overhaul their outreach and branding strategy to attract them. A GenZ fresher is highly tech and social media savvy, has a much-elevated sense and awareness of values like fairness, social responsibilities, and gender diversity and demands work-life balance.
To understand them and incorporate their expectations, organisations need to redesign their recruitment and retention strategies, and the following are some tips.
- Tech Touch: Gen Z has grown up in a digital era, making technology an integral part of their lives. They respond more favorably to a tech reach out and hence embrace technology at every interaction. To attract them, showcase your company’s adoption of modern tools, software, and communication platforms that facilitate collaboration and efficiency.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Work-life balance is a priority for Gen Z. Offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, can help you attract and retain these employees who value the ability to integrate their personal and professional lives. GenZ most probably will not forego a present personal engagement for a future professional reward.
- Clear Growth Paths: Gen Z employees are ambitious and seek opportunities for growth and development. Provide clear career paths, mentorship programs, and opportunities for learning and upskilling to demonstrate your commitment to their professional advancement. They would favor a frequent boost in their career path instead of long-term advancement opportunities.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Gen Z is known for embracing diversity and inclusivity. Showcase your company’s commitment to these values by highlighting diversity in your workforce and implementing inclusive policies and practices.
- Purpose-Driven Culture: Gen Z employees often prioritise meaningful work and aligning with companies that positively impact society. Clearly communicate your company’s values, mission, and social responsibility efforts to resonate with their desire for purposeful employment.
- Feedback and Recognition: Regular feedback and recognition are crucial for Gen Z employees. Implement a feedback-rich culture that acknowledges their contributions and offers constructive insights to foster their professional growth.
- Digital Recruitment Strategies: Traditional recruitment methods may not resonate with Gen Z. Leverage social media platforms, video interviews, and interactive assessments to engage with candidates in a way that reflects their digital-native nature.
- Open and Transparent Communication: Gen Z values transparency and open communication. Keep them informed about company updates, performance metrics, and strategic decisions to make them feel more connected and engaged.
- Collaborative Work Environment: Gen Z thrives in collaborative settings. Create opportunities for teamwork, cross-functional projects, and idea-sharing to harness their creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Workplace Well-Being: Mental and emotional well-being are significant concerns for Gen Z. Offer resources and support for stress management, mental health, and work-life balance to demonstrate your commitment to their overall well-being.
Incorporating these strategies can help your organisation attract and retain Gen Z employees, creating a diverse and dynamic workforce that contributes to your company’s growth and success. Gen Z’s preferences may differ from previous generations, so adapting your recruitment and retention strategies is essential for long-term success. By understanding and catering to their unique needs and aspirations, businesses can create an environment where Gen Z employees thrive and contribute positively to their organisation’s future.
