How Can You Recruit and Retain Gen Z Workers?

A recent social media post showed a twenty-something young woman talking about how her employer should recognize her “disability” of “time blindness.” She went on to say that her lifestyle and internal time clock did not mesh with being at work at 7:00 a.m. Watching this at work in a mixed group of all ages, the reactions were notably different between those groups.

At least a few of the baby boomers in the group rolled their eyes. Those in the Gen X age group mostly shrugged their shoulders. While a couple of the (older) Millennials in the group seemed a bit embarrassed, a young man in his early 20s asked, “Why not?” Although an understanding of business law is helpful, business owners would also do well to pay attention to hiring trends and the current makeup of their workforce. 

While there is no need to create lines of division in your business according to age, it is important to understand how workplace mindsets can vary from one group to another. Having a highly skilled Naperville, IL business attorney from Gierach Law Firm can give you the business advantage you need.  

What is the Makeup of the Current American Workforce?

One report found that about 39 percent of the current workforce are Millennials (28-43). Gen Xers (44-59) make up about 36 percent of the workforce. While many Baby Boomers (60-78) are retiring, this group currently makes up about 19 percent of the workforce.

Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) currently comprises only about 6 percent of the American workforce, yet in less than six years, it is estimated that this group will make up 30 percent. This is a big change in only a few years, requiring companies to assess their current recruitment and retention strategies to add a dynamic pool of younger talent to their business.

Keeping Your Business Fresh and Relevant Requires Understanding Gen Z in the Workplace

According to a recent report, Gen Z’s characteristics may influence your workplace in the following ways.

• Gen Z is the most diverse, with nearly half identifying as people of color.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) matters to those in this group.
• Employees in the Gen Z group are the most likely to leave their current jobs for what they see as greener pastures.
•  Fair compensation, an emotionally healthy environment, and purposeful work matter to this generation.
•  More than any other generation, Gen Z is the most likely group to distrust their employers.
• Gen Z, along with Millennials, wants a flexible work environment and schedule, which could include hybrid work environments.
• A whopping 77 percent of Gen Z workers say a company’s values must align with their own.   

How Can You Recruit Gen Z Workers?

These younger workers need to see language and imagery they can relate to, delivered to them on platforms they are active on. Almost three-quarters of these younger job candidates found their last job through social media. Be aware that this does not usually include Facebook. Gen Z’s social media platforms include Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.

Streamline your hiring process to the extent possible. A fast recruitment process is important to Gen Z, who feel that 15 minutes is all the time it should take to apply for a job and that a job offer should be forthcoming within a week of an interview. Transparency is key, both in job responsibilities and pay. Almost 53 percent of younger workers will not apply for a job without a specified salary range.

Contact a Naperville, IL Business Law Attorney

The lawyers at Gierach Law Firm have more than 30 years of experience in business law, while attorney Denice Gierach has a master’s degree in business management and is a Certified Public Accountant as well as a business owner. These strengths and skills help provide clients with the insights needed to identify risks and create winning strategies. Speaking to a knowledgeable Naperville, IL business law attorney from Gierach Law Firm can help answer all your questions while providing your business with a solid competitive advantage. Call 630-228-9413 today to schedule an appointment.