Simone Biles and Gen Z’s Recruitment Playbook

Simone Biles’ influence has only grown since winning gold. Two weeks after citing therapy as part of her pre-game routine, Biles is still offering the most compelling evidence yet of the profound connection between mental health and peak performance. Her openness to discuss mental health offers insights on ways to attract and retain Generation Z.

Rethinking Performance and Well-Being

For Gen Z, mental health is not an add-on to their well-being but a core component that directly impacts their effectiveness in the workplace. Unlike earlier generations who might have treated mental health as separate from their professional responsibilities, Gen Z recognizes its integral role in their overall success and job satisfaction.

Traditional performance metrics in the workplace have typically focused on how employees meet organizational goals, emphasizing productivity, efficiency, and output. However, to truly engage Gen Z—a generation distinguished by its innovative mindset—it’s essential to broaden these metrics to include factors such as creativity and adaptability.

The New Gen Z Recruitment Playbook

This shift in performance metrics presents a novel strategy for attracting and retaining top talent from Gen Z. With approximately 10,000 baby boomers retiring daily, various sectors, especially those requiring skilled labor like manufacturing, health care, and construction, are feeling the strain on the labor market (BLS, 2021). This demographic change is driving a heightened demand for skilled workers, as employers struggle to fill the vacancies left by retiring employees.

Now more than ever, recruiters and hiring managers must adopt a new playbook focused on well-being and performance. Here are six key strategies for your Gen Z recruitment playbook:

1. Project Ownership

Gen Z thrives on seeing the impact of their work. Offering roles where they can lead initiatives from start to finish harbors internal validation, fostering a sense of ownership that aligns with their desire for meaningful work.

Recruitment Playbook: Communicate in job postings and interviews that candidates will have decision-making power, resource management responsibilities, and accountability for outcomes, positioning your company as one that values and trusts its employees.

2. Autonomy and Flexibility

Work-life balance is critical for Gen Z, who value flexibility in how and where they work.

Recruitment Playbook: Highlight flexible work policies as key benefits in recruitment materials to attract candidates who seek autonomy and control over their work environment.

3. Innovation and Creativity

Gen Z thrives on innovation and looks for opportunities to bring fresh ideas to the table. By offering roles tailored for candidates who are eager to introduce new skills and inject creativity into the workplace, your recruitment strategy will stand out from the competition.

Recruitment Playbook: Share examples during recruitment of how your company provides platforms for innovation, signaling that their contributions will be valued. Showcase opportunities like innovation labs, hackathons, and cross-functional collaborations that allow them to drive new ideas and foster growth.

4. Growth Opportunities

Professional development is a top priority for Gen Z. They seek roles with clear pathways for growth, including leadership training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities.

Recruitment Playbook: Clearly communicate growth potential within your organization, including access to training programs and career development workshops.

Creativity Essential Reads

The History of Creative Schmoozing

The Power of Ambiguity

5. Mental Health Support

A workplace culture that normalizes mental health discussions can be crucial in retaining Gen Z employees.

Recruitment Playbook: Advertise your company’s mental health support, from counseling services to wellness programs and mental health days. Showcase how your organization helps employees maintain workplace boundaries.

6. University and Startup Partnerships

University partnerships can provide access to a talent pool that is already developing skills aligned with organizational goals.

Recruitment Playbook: Partner with innovation programs and startup incubators within universities to connect with Gen Z students and graduates.

Simone Biles underscores the strong link between mental health and performance, especially for a generation that considers mental wellness vital to success. To attract and keep Gen Z talent, prioritize mental health and develop a work environment that encourages well-being and innovation.