If you’re a leader or a hiring manager, you’re probably struggling to find great talent—and many Gen Zs are looking for opportunities. Most importantly, there are plenty of compelling reasons to hire Gen Z.
It’s a competitive environment, and organizations succeed when they hire the best and the brightest, obviously. But it’s especially effective to consider the youngest generation for all they’ll bring to the organization.
7 Great Reasons to Hire Gen Zs
By 2030, Gen Z will make up 30% of the workforce, according to Johns Hopkins University. But employers can lean into the demographics and hire Gen Zs sooner, rather than later.
1. Fresh Perspectives
The youngest members of any society usually have the perspectives that are most fresh and surprising–and they are often shaping the future.
But Gen Z is unique in entering the workplace without a reference point for traditional work. The oldest Gen Zs graduated from college in 2019, so they have had little, if any, experience in going to an office regularly—or in working without the pressures of pandemics or the shifting expectations for how work gets done.
A reason to hire Gen Z is because they can bring novel viewpoints, different angles and original insights—all of which can inspire new ways of working—from getting ordinary tasks accomplished in new ways to contributing to bigger innovations.
2. Resilience and Adaptability
Gen Zs have been through a lot. From the great recession and the pandemic to life online and social change, Gen Zs have plenty of experience with challenges. Some of these affected them personally, but they also experienced these through the eyes of their parents and families.
Going through tough times can build resilience and capability—so the most effective Gen Zs will bring strength and adaptability. This is significantly helpful to organizations that must constantly stay aware and respond to changes in markets, customers, competitors and the workforce.
Hire Gen Z is because they can bring experience and resilience in facing change—which is a great benefit to the company.
3. Purpose and Impact
One of the elements that is most motivating for an employee of any age is feeling they are making a difference and that they matter to the bigger picture.
Gen Zs can be especially great hires because what they want from work is meaning. In fact, 37% Gen Zs say it’s their most important priority. And 12% of Gen Zs say that making a positive impact is the most important thing, according to data from EduBirdie.
Another reason to hire Gen Z is because they will look for a sense of purpose, and they’ll thrive when you focus on meaningful work—being especially receptive to it, and performing well as a result of having it.
4. Collaboration and Teamwork
Gen Z is the generation most likely to report they are lonely or lack friends. But this can make them that much more likely to invest in work as a place to connect.
In fact, they are most likely to say the environment they need to thrive is one of collaboration and team orientation. And 78% of Gen Zs see work as an important venue to build social connections, belonging and community, according to data from Top Employers Institute.
So yet another reason to hire Gen Z is the priority they place on work as a place to belong and contribute to a community.
5. Acumen with Technology
The youngest generations also typically bring a terrific ability to embrace technology. Many of them have had exposure to all kinds of tech–in schools and at home–from the earliest ages.
Fully 71% of Gen Z respondents feel capable of taking advantage of new technology in the workplace, according to Top Employers Institute data.
In addition, the use of Chat GPT has grown significantly. This is driven largely by younger generations–with 43% of those under 30 who are leveraging it, according to a survey of over 10,000 people by the Pew Research Center. Chat GPT is just one example of technology, and all generations can use new tech—but Gen Z may have a unique propensity based on their background and experience.
The most successful companies will incorporate AI and other new technologies into their processes and their customer experiences—and having people in the workforce like Gen Zs who are very comfortable with new and evolving technologies can make a positive impact.
Companies are wise to hire Gen Z to expand the number of employees who embrace technology in all its forms.
6. Learning and Development
Another priority for Gen Z is personal growth. According to EduBirdie, 25% of Gen Zs say it’s their highest priority, along with 24% who say their priorities are career and education. And 80% of Gen Z respondents said employers have a responsibility to continuously upskill their people, according to a new survey by Top Employers Institute.
Gen Zs will be hungry to learn, grow and contribute to increasing degrees.
Successful organizations are those that can learn continuously—and this requires individuals and teams who crave to know more and who seek challenges and learning. They, in turn, contribute to a culture of development and growth.
Hire Gen Z because they are committed to learning, growth and expansion of their skills.
7. Wellbeing
Gen Zs also value health and wellbeing–and these will be critical to a bright future. In fact, 62% say it’s their top priority, while 62% also say family and relationships are very important. And 14% value travel and exploration–along with 13% who value personal interests and hobbies, according to EduBirdie. According to the Top Employers Institute, 82% value wellbeing.
All of this creates an advantage–in terms of employees who can maintain balance and perspective—and who will prioritize their own wellbeing.
Reasons to hire Gen Z include their focus on balance and staying grounded—which have the benefit of reducing burnout or unreasonable expectations.
Great Reasons to Hire Gen Z
Hiring the best and the brightest shouldn’t be based only on age or life stage, of course. All generations have unique strengths and skills they bring to the work experience. But it’s worth it to understand and explore hiring the youngest workers.
Hire Gen Z for all the ways they can make a substantive and positive impact on teams and the organization.