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Brain Circuits

Do you know how to attract the best Gen Z talent? 

Published April 25, 2025 in Brain Circuits • 3 min read

Gen Z is often drawn to the dynamic nature of purpose-filled startups in career terms. Test your knowledge of the cohort here – and read on to see how established companies can compete for Gen Z talent.

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Six tips to attract Gen Z talent

1 Take their concerns seriously and respond positively

Gen Z is increasingly willing to reject assignments – or even employers – that don’t align with their values. Addressing this concern can help increase employee motivation and loyalty.

2 Communicate a clear purpose

Communicate a clear organizational purpose to Gen Zers (provided it’s genuine!). Clarity around processes, responsibilities, and expectations also plays well.

3 Implement flexible working arrangements

Gen Z workers often struggle with traditional corporate working arrangements, so implement hybrid and flexible working arrangements where feasible.

4 Build trust and responsibility

Gen Zers aren’t known for respecting overly hierarchical structures. Let them manage their own time and work independently to foster trust and responsibility.

5 Provide leadership development opportunities

Gen Zers are hungry to grow, and their entrepreneurial spirit makes them keen to take on challenges and responsibility.

6 Foster creativity

This cohort tends to have a high level of creativity and the ability to teach themselves new skills; qualities that employers can harness to good effect.

Key learning

To attract Gen Z talent, large corporations should focus on improving work-life balance, providing leadership development opportunities, softening the hierarchical environment, and allowing the flexibility to think creatively and grow professionally.

Authors

Lars Häggström

Senior Adviser, IMD Business School

Lars Häggström is Senior Adviser at IMD and a former CHRO at Stora Enso, Nordea and Gambro.

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