Graduate vacancies are 20 percent higher than before the pandemic, a figure that is expected to increase as skills shortages continue.
An increasing number of businesses are seeking young workers to offset labour shortages and skills gaps.
However, nearly three-quarters (72%) of UK businesses are not providing sufficient workforce experiences for young workers, as a result of poor workplace tech and employee experience strategies, according to new research from Applaud.
The data, which explores workplace trends post-pandemic, reveals that while some businesses have used new working patterns to create transformative employee experiences, others have struggled to adapt to the needs of today’s young workers.
Working from home
As workplace demands change, 86 percent of Gen-Z and millennials suggest home working is one of the biggest drivers when seeking new roles.
However, Applaud’s data confirms that only a quarter (28%) of UK businesses are equipped to attract young workers and accommodate their needs.
Creating transformative employee experiences
“To create the ultimate working experience fit for young workers, businesses must think simplicity, accessibility and convenience. This means delivering mobile experiences – similar to Spotify or Amazon – to aid them in their roles. This will keep employees motivated, productive, and most importantly happy,” says Co-founder and CTO, Applaud, Duncan Casemore.
Throughout their employee lifecycle, young workers demand consumer-grade workplace technology that mirrors the experiences they have with their tech at home. This means easily accessible, mobile-first workplace systems that enable them to work anywhere, at any time, on any device.
Although, the data reveals that just half (56%) of UK businesses are planning on building consumer-grade experiences this year. If businesses want to win the war for talent, they need to take action now and update their workplace tech before it’s too late.
“Businesses shouldn’t see this shift in expectations as a challenge. It’s an exciting opportunity to build new experiences that are fit for workers now and in the future,” adds Mr Casemore.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
