Need to diversify your team? No matter your sector or niche, you should never overlook the importance of having a varied workforce.
Recent statistics from the House of Commons Library indicate that from July to September 2023, at least 531,000 young people were unemployed. With youth unemployment lower than ever before, it’s important to consider that high-skilled workers and graduates fall into this category too.
Attracting graduates and young professionals to your business will provide fresh perspectives, technological skills, keen learners, and a cost-effective investment. Here’s how you should do it.
How to attract younger workers to your team
Offer career growth opportunities
Any prospective candidate needs to know from the beginning that you’re invested in learning and career development at your company. Younger people, who might be straight out of university or recently qualified in another course, will be eager to learn as much as possible.
Advertise your training resources and strategies and be prepared to answer any questions about how you help your team members to harness their skills.
Make progression clear
In 2023, over three-quarters of graduates who were in full-time work 15 months after graduating were in professional-level employment. With many highly skilled and recently qualified staff now in the workforce, you need to make your progression strategy clear and inviting to attract and retain top talent.
Offer perks and fulfil them
Perks are a crucial part of your responsibility to keep your employees happy at work. You can offer a variety of perks, but it’s important to make sure that you pick some that genuinely benefit your team – and that you can always fulfil appropriately. For example, you could offer gym memberships, paid lunches, or temporary car insurance for those who only drive into the office occasionally and don’t have an annual insurance policy.
Make it work for them
Younger people increasingly seek flexibility and an enhanced work-life balance, ditching the traditional and over-glorified hustle culture. You need to think outside the box and try to offer a role that suits your employees just as much as it meets the demands of your business. Offering flexible working hours will positively affect your team’s productivity.
Offer increased paid leave
A paid leave allowance is important for any worker, no matter their industry.
Offering the chance to buy more days off could help your team to improve their work-life balance and gives more flexibility to those who need the ‘safety net’ of knowing they can take extra time off. Young people want to be incentivised by perks that benefit their personal lives, not quirks that just provide a quick pick-me-up, like free pizza in the office.
Create a positive, honest environment
Lastly, your company needs to offer a welcoming and friendly culture to any new starter, regardless of their age. Providing quarterly social functions for your team is one way to get everyone together, and you might also benefit from providing wellness packages or gift cards for certain experiences. Company culture starts in the office but is defined by everything you do for your team – and genuinely listening to their feedback.
Original Article: Employer News
Want to help your business stay competitive and innovative in today’s dynamic job market ? For all your recruitment challenges – contact our HR & digital recruitment specialist Gareth Allison on 02920 620702
