Attracting and Retaining Gen Z Talent in Hospitality

Gen Z is rewriting the rules in the workplace across the board. With access to endless amounts of information from a young age, they’ve been able to research the way of the world and make decisions on what they want out of life. And this generational shift is causing waves that can be felt by employers, particularly in hospitality. 40% of today’s restaurant workers are under the age of 25, so hospitality employers need to know: What does Gen Z want in the workplace?

As Baby Boomers retire and Millennials become more established in their careers, Gen Z is steadily entering the workforce. By 2030, Gen Z and Millennials are expected to make up 58% of the global workforce and almost 100% in the hospitality sector.

Ultimately, in hospitality, great customer service is the key to business success. You need to have people who are:

But what does Gen Z want in the workplace? To answer this, we need to understand their values and priorities.

Gen Z are born between 1997 and 2012, and influenced by technology, social consciousness, and a strong commitment to work-life balance. Interestingly, they are more diverse than previous generations and are really motivated by personal values and purpose.

Here’s a closer look at what Gen Z prioritizes when choosing a workplace.

While everyone values their time outside of work, Gen Z places a lot of value in it. A study by McKinsey found that 77% of Generation Z prioritize work-life balance when considering any role. And 72% of Gen Z have either left or considered leaving a job because their employer did not offer a feasible flexible work policy.

This is particularly relevant in the hospitality industry, where long hours and demanding schedules are the norm. Employers can still provide flexibility by offering shifts that allow employees to manage their time better. And by creating a culture that promotes the importance of personal well-being.

For Gen Z, it’s not just about a paycheck. In fact, it’s about the opportunity to advance and learn new skills. Typically rated at 4.89 out of 5 on the priority scale, continuous learning and development opportunities are a must for a Gen Z workforce.

For instance, in hospitality you can offer mentorship programs, leadership training, and clear pathways for career advancement. When you invest in their careers with learning and development, you attract great talent and create a loyal, motivated workforce.

It’s a win-win!

Gen Z is the most socially conscious generation yet. They care about environmental sustainability, social justice, and inclusivity. According to Deloitte, 86% of Gen Z workers state that having a sense of purpose is very or somewhat important to their overall job satisfaction and wellbeing.

Whether it’s reducing food waste, embracing sustainable sourcing practices, or promoting a diverse and equitable work environment, Gen Z employees want to work for companies that take a stand on the issues that matter most to them.

Hospitality sees high turnover rates as talent comes in and out of the workforce. This means you need to be creative in how you attract talent to your brand, as there’s fierce competition.

To stand out in the crowded talent market, here are a few strategies employers can use:

Understanding what Gen Z wants in the workplace and tailoring your talent attraction strategy to suit them is one thing, but holding on to them is another challenge altogether. High turnover rates in the hospitality industry can cost your organization, so retaining top talent is key to long-term success.

Here are a few retention strategies that can help ensure your Gen Z employees stay with your brand:

Asking “what does Gen Z want in the workplace?” and adapting your recruitment and retention strategies to match—can make all the difference. At the end of the day, when hospitality businesses prioritize recognition, growth, and a positive culture, they’re far more likely to keep their Gen Z employees engaged and loyal.

As Gen Z takes over more and more of the workforce, the way you engage with Gen Z today will define the strength and resilience of your workforce for years to come!

If you need support hiring talent in hospitality, book a call today to discuss your talent attraction needs.