Through the pandemic, many were furloughed, let go and suspended due to the work environment or costs that could not be upheld. Workers under 25 experienced furlough rates 73% higher than those older than 25 and were let go at rates as high as 79% higher according to Gusto.

For many hiring managers and companies, it has been said that for younger talent it just takes a job with perks and a fun environment. However, the data according to Alight is that this generation cares more about what a company stands for and how consistent the employer is with that message.

For anyone born around 1997 and beyond, these job seekers according to Pew Research Center will account for about 60 million job seekers in the next decade, which is a huge influx of new talent. For a generation that is social media savvy, cares more about flexibility than PTO, and holds companies accountable — this is something to consider throughout the hiring process.

From a Gen Z perspective – here are some ways hiring managers can try to adapt or review their hiring practices:

Be Open and Honest

Usually in interviews, it can be easy to scan over job details and what is in the description. Even when it comes down to talking about a company, it usually boils down to how the hiring manager was taught to describe the company. Explaining what sorts of things the company values should be done ahead of time and thought out to be able to really explain to a candidate. This shows that you care about the candidate and are really trying to convey a sense of commitment to your values.

Be Flexible

I think this tip can sometimes be a little vague and hard to come by. But being flexible can be really easy for most employers, they just don’t acknowledge it. For many, going to work at the same place for 40 years and working the same way in the same fashion is just how they have done things. Gen Z is coming in with a different mindset. If you have a good candidate in your midst, they will be willing to put forth the amount of work that is required to get the job done. Sometimes things such as working from home or last minute PTO is necessary and being open about things like that are part of a flexible work environment. Especially when it comes to topics such as mental health awareness in the workplace. With mental health overall plummeting during the pandemic, 46% say it had gotten worse over the last year.

Help them help you

For many Gen Z workers, going through school is a completely different experience. With the amount of changes to the school system, online coursework and other institutions, there’s no telling where someone could come and go. For many, this means that giving qualified candidates a chance to learn more skills or abilities that are already available within a workspace could be really valuable.

Putting the emphasis on the employees really makes all the difference, after all, you want the top talent to stay around, don’t you? So while salaries and benefits are still important to most, empowerment and helping someone learn and grow is just as important as ever in the hiring marketplace.