Six ways to attract Generation Z into your business

What do the younger generation value most in employers and what can you do to attract them into your business?

If you’re looking at employing anyone under the age of 25, they’ll belong to Generation Z, whose experiences and expectations will have been formed by growing up in the early 2000s. Portfolio People Director, Paul Gordon, shares his observations based on the work he has done recruiting, managing, and developing Gen Zs with many of his clients’ businesses over recent years.

1. Have good tech

If you want to get the best out of Gen Z, make sure your tech passes muster. If it doesn’t, you simply won’t attract them. Remember this is the first generation born into the world of smart phones and iPads. They’re incredibly tech-savvy and used to having instant access to information as soon as they need it. A dodgy wifi and dusty old tower PCs will not go down well – time for an upgrade!

2. Provide variety

I’ve found that Gen Zs want to try lots of different things and are not necessarily interested in a linear career path. In fact, for many, those routes don’t exist anymore. Being young, they’ll be agile and adaptable, and will likely want to move around in different areas of work to find out what suits them best. I find them to be excellent multi-taskers – but with so much information available, take care not to let them become too easily distracted from the task at hand.

3. Be transparent, authentic and ethical

Transparency and authenticity are important to young employees, as is having an ethical agenda. Generation Z has grown up with an increasing awareness of environmental concerns. They’re far more likely to value products that are ethically sourced than a flashy label. Provide opportunities for them to make a difference and the world a better place and you’ll see engagement rise.

4. Give opportunity and feedback

Recognition is very important to young people. They’re just starting out in their career and therefore keen to make their mark. They’re also comfortable working independently, so give them a chance to be a sole contributor on a project – and recognise their achievements when it’s done. Gen Zs thrive on feedback and have a remarkable ability to accept constructive criticism – they can handle the truth!

5. Respect work-life balance

A post-pandemic world has seen flexible working become ever-more in demand from employees. Gen Zs – along with the rest of the workforce – want a healthy work-life balance. They’re wary of burnout and the idea of working yourself into the ground. They’ll also expect employers to provide support and celebrate diversity, so make sure you have policies in place that show you look after your employees.

6. Offer a stake in the business

Lastly, if you really want to attract dedicated talent into your business and you’re unable to offer a top salary, why not offer shares? Young people are often drawn to growing businesses and the chance they give to make their mark, and shares will incentivise them further to make it succeed.

People Puzzles works with small and medium sized businesses across the UK to get the best talent into the right roles. Call People Puzzles on 0203 633 6830 to find out how our experienced People Directors work with businesses to attract and retain star performers to help them grow.

People Director, Paul Gordon