Multiple numbers suggest that Gen Z is the future of the modern workforce.

This generation will account for 27% of the global workforce by 2025 and 30% by 2030.

However, engaging with and retaining Gen Z employees poses challenges for many organizations, as today, 1 in 2 hiring managers struggle to connect with early-career employees.

Organizations find it difficult to integrate Gen Z workers into their existing employee base, with 74% of hiring managers stating that Gen Z is the most challenging generation to deal with in the workplace.

Factors That Contribute to the Gen Z Hiring Gap

Three major factors contribute to this Gen Z hiring gap. First, there is the changing workplace in a post-COVID era, where Gen Z experienced a 79% increase in layoffs and a 73% increase in furloughs compared to other generations between March 2020 and April 2021.

Second, unnecessary friction in the workplace arises due to negative headlines from research companies and news outlets, leading to aggressive responses on both sides.

Lastly, misaligned career expectations between employees and employers result in 65% of Gen Z talent quitting within 12 months of employment.

On average, companies take 42 days to complete the recruitment process.

The total cost to replace an early-career employee who reneges on an offer is $22,000 per employee.

When 52% of early-career employees believe their turnover could have been prevented, it becomes evident that hiring strategies must be changed to effectively engage the future generation.

Conclusion

Understanding how to recruit and retain Gen Z deepens our understanding of the forces shaping the future of work.

Clear expectations will likely contribute to higher mental and emotional stability levels in the workplace for Gen Z.

Additionally, fostering genuine transparency helps alleviate stress by removing uncertainty about the future.

Offering workplace respect entails providing work-life balance, demonstrating the value of their work, and promoting positive mental health.

Nurturing meaningful connections is crucial, considering the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to Gen Z’s professional and personal growth.

Furthermore, nearly half of Gen Z employees express a desire to know about their coworkers’ personalities, interests, and life outside of work.

Lastly, focusing on intentional communication is essential as Gen Z faces an information overload crisis and deserves clear and intentional work-related communications.