Attracting the industry’s next generation of talent

by arslan_ahmed | February 23, 2023 10:30 am

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By Susan Smith

Millennials and Gen Z are an elusive mystery to many who are over 40. They are known for having big ideas, changing the status quo, and looking for new, positive life experiences. They also bring with them a new way of looking at company culture and maintaining a work-life balance.

The next generations’ idea of good company culture is all about self-improvement, and an empowering, positive way of working. The future of the industry is gearing towards hard work and achieving career goals—to many industry professionals, this does not sound so alien.

However, one must wonder, how does a pool and/or spa business evolve to meet the new generations’ expectations? How can companies appeal to the younger generation of talent and get them to apply to work at their company?

Millennials and Gen Z in the workforce need more than just a big paycheck to keep them interested and loyal to their employer; but the rewards they bring are worth it.

If the pool industry wants to unlock the unique strengths these two generations of workers bring to their business, they are going to have to dig deep and use the power of the four Ps:

1. Purpose
2. Positioning
3. Personalization
4. Partnerships

The following is a closer look at each one to help employers in the industry attract the next generation of talent to their businesses and continue thriving into the future.

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Purpose

Millennials and Gen Z are very conscious of achieving a purpose in life, and they like to work with companies that share their values. They want to feel like they are making a difference.

When a business is trying to attract more of the new generation, they should include the company’s values in job descriptions and on the website as well.

Another great way to show how much a company respects and identifies with their candidate’s ideals and values is to post about it on social media. If there is one place that Millennials and Gen Z applicants love to be, it is on social media. Holding a charity event? Post about it. Have a mission to train 100 new recruits and improve their lives by 2030? Post about it.

Positioning

When looking for a new place to work, this generation wants to be in an environment that is open, supportive, collaborative, diverse and promotes a positive and healthy company culture.

They are more inclined to choose one workplace over another if it offers a more positive work atmosphere, even if the pay is lower, they prefer to work in an environment that is more modern and forward-thinking.

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To further attract new talent, companies in the pool industry should position themselves as an innovative, forward-thinking business, making it hard for the new talent to ignore them and what they have to offer. This generation of talent will not look twice at a company that does not offer opportunities to better them and the world around them.

Personalization

One of the most important things the new talent is looking for is forming a more personal connection to their job. They are not looking to just work nine to five—they want to experience something more.

Millennials and Gen Z workers do not want to be another cog in the machine, they want to be respected as an important member of a team.

When looking for companies to work with, they are looking for a job that will provide them with ongoing training to further enhance their skills. They are also looking for a mutually beneficial relationship with the company, and an opportunity to build a healthy work-life balance.

Attracting Millennials and Gen Z is particularly difficult right now due to the severe shortage of workers entering the industry. However, another way to attract them is by partnering with schools, colleges, and training centres; through these, businesses can encourage the new generation of talent to start applying for apprenticeships.

Partnership

Business owners and industry professionals alike can sign up to join career days or visit youth groups to talk about what working in the pool industry is like. Show them the opportunities available in the industry, then show them any business values, a positive company culture, and how much the company cares and respects its employees and offers opportunities to grow.

By demonstrating all the benefits a company and the industry, in general, has to offer, one can help increase the number of young people interested in working in the pool industry.

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By using these four essential points in a hiring campaign, businesses can attract more young, talented workers to their company.

When a company is trying to attract more of the new generation, they should include the company’s values in job descriptions and on the website as well.

Millennials and Gen Z are very conscious of achieving a purpose in life, and they like to work with companies that share their values.

What traits is new talent seeking?

Millennials and Gen Z are two distinct generations with different characteristics. Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are known for their resourcefulness, adaptability, and strong work ethic. They are highly educated, tech-savvy, and value diversity. They are also more likely to be entrepreneurial and have a strong sense of social responsibility. Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, are characterized by their digital native status, creativity, and innovative thinking. They are more likely to be socially conscious, environmentally aware, and have an interest in global issues. Gen Z are also more likely to prioritize their mental health and well-being. Both generations are determined to make a difference in the world, but they each bring different perspectives and values. Millennials and Gen Z are looking for pool companies that value sustainability, diversity, and innovation. They want to know if the company is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact, such as using renewable energy sources, efficient building materials, and applying green construction practices. They are also looking for companies that embrace diversity in the workforce and promote inclusivity in the workplace. Lastly, Millennials and Gen Z are attracted to companies that are open to new ideas and technologies, such as pool construction automation and 3D printing. They want to work with an organization that is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible and is willing to invest in the latest technology.

Author

Susan Smith is the founder of Just for Contractors, a digital agency that specializes in websites and digital marketing for the construction trades. She has been in the construction trade since she was a kid as her dad owned a tool and die business, which had more than 150 employees. Now, Smith and her team help contractors and the skilled trades make the right impression online so businesses can attract the employees they want.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/features/attracting-the-industrys-next-generation-of-talent/

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