Attracting top graduate talent in today's competitive market requires more than just offering a good salary. Graduates, particularly from Gen Z and millennial generations, are looking for employers who share their values and make a positive impact on society. They seek workplaces that not only support their professional growth but also align with their ethical beliefs and provide a meaningful work/life balance.
This blog explores key strategies for appealing to these values-driven job seekers. From demonstrating your commitment to community engagement and sustainability to prioritising learning and development, you'll discover how to create an environment where graduates want to thrive. By understanding what matters most to them, your organisation can stand out as an employer of choice.
Community Engagement and Societal Impact Matter
The 2024 Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey revealed that three-quarters of Gen Zs and millennials consider an organisation’s community engagement and societal impact as important factors when evaluating potential employers.
Highlight your company’s initiatives. Showcase your commitment to environmental sustainability, ethical business practices, and social equality through tangible actions and transparent reporting. Engage with the community and demonstrate how your organisation is contributing to positive societal change.
Alignment with Personal Values is Key
Gen Zs and millennials are not afraid to turn down opportunities that don’t align with their personal ethics and beliefs. The 2024 Deloitte Survey reported half of Gen Zs (50%) and 43% of millennials have rejected an assignment or project due to a misalignment with their values. Additionally, 44% of Gen Zs and 40% of millennials have declined job offers from employers who didn’t share their ethical standpoint.
Ensure that your organisation’s values are not only communicated but also lived out in everyday business practices. Address critical issues such as environmental sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and be transparent about your efforts to support employee wellbeing and work/life balance.
Leverage Social Media
Reach graduates where they spend a lot of their time—online and on social media—employers should prioritise digital marketing and outreach.
A strong content and social media strategy ensures your company stands out in job searches and establishes your brand as a thought leader through informative blogs, guides, and videos. Engaging content not only boosts brand visibility but also showcases your company’s values and culture, making it more attractive to graduates.
Prioritise Learning and Development
Graduates are eager to grow and develop diverse skills.
Implementing a graduate scheme or a comprehensive learning and development programme that introduces new hires to various business areas is a powerful way to attract and retain talent.
Offering mentorship in leadership, sales, or project management, along with utilising the apprenticeship levy, enables new hires to quickly contribute while fostering a culture of growth. Challenge your hires with varied roles to uncover hidden talents and support their personal development.
Offer What They Value Most
When choosing an employer, graduates prioritise several factors:
- Good work/life balance
- Learning and development opportunities
- High salary or financial benefits
- Positive workplace culture
- Flexible hours/reduced work week
- Career advancement opportunities
- Sense of meaning from work
Consider tailoring your benefits and workplace policies to meet these expectations. Offer flexible work arrangements, invest in employee development, create a positive and inclusive workplace culture, and provide clear paths for career advancement. Above all, ensure that employees find meaning in their work and feel supported in achieving a healthy work/life balance.
Conclusion
In today's job market, attracting and retaining top graduate talent means more than just meeting basic employment expectations. It requires a deep understanding of the values and priorities that drive Gen Z and millennials. By actively engaging with the community, aligning with personal values, leveraging social media, and investing in learning and development, your organisation can position itself as a desirable place to work.
By fostering a workplace that values flexibility, growth, and a positive impact on society, you not only attract the best talent but also build a thriving, future-ready business. Embrace these strategies, and your organisation will be well-equipped to meet the demands of this new generation of professionals.
The 2024 Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey: https://www.deloitte.com/global/en/issues/work/content/genz-millennialsurvey.html
