What Employers Need to Know about Hiring Gen Z

30 May 2025

The future of Australia’s workforce is young, and businesses that recognise this stand to gain a competitive advantage.

Jobs and Skills Australia’s latest Recruitment Experiences and Outlook Survey (REOS) sheds light on how employers are engaging with young jobseekers and what factors contribute to successful employment outcomes.

For businesses looking to strengthen their workforce, understanding these insights can make all the difference!

Young Workers Are Applying And Getting Hired

According to the REOS survey, a significant portion of Australian businesses are already engaging with young people:

Of the 2,502 employers surveyed, 58% reported having young job applicants.
82% of these employers hired at least one young person, with medium and large businesses more likely to do so than smaller ones.
Almost half (47%) of businesses specifically sought young applicants to fill their vacancies.
These findings spotlight that young people are both interested in and actively applying for job opportunities. Even more, many businesses are recognising the benefits of hiring young workers.

What Employers Value in Young Jobseekers

While experience is often considered a key hiring factor, the survey revealed that attitude and communication skills are just as, if not more important, for young jobseekers. The top three qualities employers look for in young hires are:

The right attitude
Good communication skills
Relevant experience for the job

This reinforces the idea that businesses aren’t just looking for technical ability, they’re looking for young workers who are eager to learn, are adaptable, and can collaborate effectively within teams.

Read our article here that discusses more about why soft skills are just as important as a degree!

Untapped Support: Programs and Subsidies for Employers

One surprising finding from the survey is that only 18% of businesses accessed programs and subsidies when hiring young workers.
This suggests that many employers may be missing out on valuable government support designed to make hiring and training young staff easier and more cost-effective.

For businesses looking to attract and retain young people, it’s worth exploring available subsidies, traineeship programs, and workplace initiatives that can support young employees in their transition into the workforce.

Investing in these resources can lead to higher retention rates and better long-term outcomes for both the employer and the employee.

Why Investing in Young Workers Makes Business Sense

The next generation of workers are highly motivated, adaptable, and eager to contribute to the workforce. Employers who actively engage with young jobseekers can benefit in multiple ways:

Access to fresh perspectives: Young employees bring new perspectives, digital skills, and innovative thinking to the workplace.
Stronger workplace culture: A diverse workforce that includes young employees fosters mentorship opportunities, knowledge-sharing, and dynamic teamwork.
Long-term workforce sustainability: Businesses that invest in young people today are developing the leaders of tomorrow.

Get tips on making the most out of your trainee in the workplace here.

Final Thoughts

To stay ahead, organisations need to recognise the strengths young workers bring to the table. With the right approach, employers can tap into a growing pool of capable, enthusiastic job seekers while benefiting from financial incentives that support youth employment.

The question is no longer whether young job seekers are ready for the workforce; it’s whether businesses are ready to support this generation of workers.

For businesses looking to develop their workforce through traineeships, or fill urgent vacancies, Y Careers can help.

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