Recruiting and retaining Gen Z demands a strategic approach that aligns with their unique values, preferences, and work styles. These differ from previous generations and often require significant adjustments to traditional methods and mindsets, writes Rose Freeman, director at Aon.

Gen Z’s distinct characteristics stem from the societal, technological, and economic environment they were raised in. As digital natives, born between 1997 and 2012, they have grown up with high-speed internet, social media, and smartphones, making it essential for organizations to harness technology to capture their attention.

Communication should be concise, visually engaging, and focused on platforms that support instant interaction. They prefer informal language, flat organizational structures, and expect full transparency from leaders, coupled with a strong commitment to inclusivity and equality.

Adapting and revamping recruitment strategies or organizational culture for Gen Z may take time, but by aligning with their core values, organizations can begin to attract the next generation of leaders. Embracing change often paves the way for creativity and fresh opportunities for success.

They prioritize purpose, inclusivity, and transparency, gravitating toward companies that align with their personal values and offer meaningful work. Traditional recruitment methods, such as rigid hierarchies and lengthy applications, often fail to resonate. Instead, organizations must focus on authenticity, short and engaging communication, and highlighting opportunities for flexibility, growth, and impact to capture Gen Z’s attention.

Engaging with Gen Z

Key considerations to engage this tech savvy and purpose driven generation are:

Embrace Technology
Gen Z naturally thinks in terms of ‘digital first,’ making it essential for organizations to embrace this mindset. Companies that utilize social media platforms to share ‘Day in the Life’ videos, highlight company culture, values, and benefits, and create concise, engaging video job descriptions are more likely to capture their attention. Additionally, optimizing the company website and incorporating gamified assessment tools can further enhance engagement with this tech-savvy generation.

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