Hiring Insights: Gen Z Preferences, Onboarding Tips, and “Unhappy Leave”

Stay informed with the Bureau of Labor Statistics job report and the latest hiring trends. Despite a strong job market, HR organizations must compete for top talent by offering competitive wages, benefits, perks, and a strong company culture. As HR Brew highlights, candidates have numerous options, so why should they choose you?

Gen Z: What Are They Looking For?

Looking to appeal to the emerging generation of professionals known as Gen Z? According to freelance talent platform A.Team, Gen Z values:

• 4-day workweeks
• Flexible work
• A freelance lifestyle

If these aspects don’t describe your company, don’t worry. Partnering with an experienced recruiter can help you find the perfect candidate for your job, regardless of statistics and demographics. With the right tools and resources, you can attract the ideal talent.

Orientation Vs. Onboarding: Understanding the Difference

Using “orientation” and “onboarding” interchangeably is a common mistake. Here’s a breakdown of their differences:

• Orientation: The immediate process when a new employee starts, involving paperwork, signatures, and basic IT setup.
• Onboarding: A comprehensive process that starts with orientation but extends over weeks to integrate new hires into the company culture and ensure they thrive in their roles.

Think of orientation as the first step in onboarding. Onboarding is especially crucial for remote employees, requiring a blend of formal and informal processes to help them acclimate.

Suggested Summer Reading

Looking for intellectually stimulating books this summer? Here’s my list:

• Brave New Words by Sal Khan — Exploring how AI will transform education.
• Analog by Robert Hassan — Discussing the desire for real experiences in a digital world.
• Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel — Insights on building innovative startups.

“Unhappy Leave”: An Innovative Approach to Employee Well-being

Employee happiness has declined post-pandemic, with industries like healthcare and hospitality particularly affected. An innovative solution comes from the Chinese supermarket chain Pang Dong Lai, which offers up to ten days of “unhappy leave” per year. As the founder states, “Everyone has times when they’re not happy, so if you’re not happy, do not come to work.”

Mental health concerns are more prevalent today, and addressing them is essential. While extensive “unhappy leave” might not be feasible for every company, acknowledging and supporting employee mental health is crucial.

As we head into summer, ensure your hiring strategies are up to date and consider the well-being of your employees. If you need assistance with sourcing or nurturing new candidates, feel free to reach out.