As the hiring market becomes even more competitive and businesses scramble to fill open positions, it is increasingly important to reach diverse audiences of job seekers. For many businesses, this means finding ways to reach younger applicants. However, to get and keep their attention, companies need to understand what young workers look for in careers, managers and workplaces.
The first challenge is to determine who those job seekers are. For many businesses, the majority of young workers will come from the millennial generation, defined by Pew Research Center as individuals born between 1981 and 1996; their age range is 25 to 40 in 2021. Some workers may also come from the younger "Generation Z," born between 1997 and 2012.
Recruitment techniques should vary based on the age of the target audience. However, a recent survey shows that one element remains consistently high on young workers' wish lists: communication.
The role of respectful communication
The survey, published in the International Journal of Business Communication, involved just over 1,000 full-time workers between the ages of 21 and 34. Employees ranked various elements of their work environment and the impact those factors had on overall job satisfaction. Results revealed that young workers valued respectful communication most highly.
For companies navigating the current hiring market, this means that communication will need to be emphasized from the very first interaction with a potential candidate. Clear, timely and respectful communication during the hiring process gives applicants an example of the culture they will be joining, and advertises to young workers that they will be treated as valuable individuals in every interaction.
To retain young workers once they are hired, companies must continue to prioritize communication, both between peers and between employees and managers. This creates opportunities for guidance, feedback and — perhaps most importantly — increased job satisfaction.
More ways to recruit young workers
Strong communication is not the only way to recruit young job seekers. Here are a few more tactics to get the attention of millennials and members of Gen Z:
1) Emphasize company culture
Younger workers want to know they're employed at an engaging, employee-supportive and socially responsible organization. To keep them happy in their positions, make sure to tell your company's story in creative ways — citing everything from training and team events to referral bonuses.
2) Offer flexible options
For younger employees, work-life balance is especially important. Whenever possible, make flexible options — like remote or hybrid work — part of your offerings.
3) Prioritize personal and professional development
According to Business News Daily, millennials and members of Gen Z aren't all about salary. They also look for more significant benefits — like opportunities to grow, both as people and employees. Your company will need to think outside the box to keep younger employees from feeling bored, stagnant or disengaged in their positions.
Recruiting young workers — or any workers at all — isn't necessarily the easiest task right now, but YES Partners can help. To see some of the roles that we have already successfully placed, click here.
Finding people is easy, but finding the RIGHT people is not. YES Partners helps companies FIND the right people for all company functions, across many industries.
