Millennials will account for 75% of the global workforce by 2025* and according to Deloitte’s 2021 Millennial Survey they are determined to hold themselves and others accountable on society’s most pressing ethical and sustainability issues.

If your business is looking to recruit the very best talent, you need to be aware that candidates are increasingly considering the ethical stance of companies when making career decisions. The Cone Communications Millennial Employee Study found that 64% of Millennials wouldn’t take a job if their employer doesn’t have a strong CSR policy and 83% would be more loyal to a company that helps them contribute to social and environmental issues. It would appear that the ‘Change Generation’ are just as focused on making a difference through work as they are about personal development and ambition.

 A study byWeSpire found that Gen-Z is “The first generation to prioritise purpose over salary. They read Mission Statements and Values documents to select where they work and want their employer’s values to match their values. They expect consistency and authenticity and will call you out, often publicly, if they don’t see it. They will leave companies they believe are hiding or putting too much spin on bad news, ignoring their negative environmental or social impacts, or that have toxic workplace cultures.”

 It is commonplace to see ethical and green marketing in the media that encourage and persuade us to behave in a responsible manner, so it follows that employees want the same from their employer. If you search the internet for ‘green’ or ‘ethical’ jobs, you will be met with a wealth of recruitment companies who understand the requirements of young talent that want to make a difference. It must be stated that these aren’t just jobs for people looking to work in areas such as renewable energy or preserving natural resources, they expect all employers to have ethical and environmental values.

As an employer it is essential that you engage with the Millennials and Z-Gen and embrace their social and ethical concerns. From health and wellbeing to sustainable practices and equality, your business needs to be authentic, caring, responsible and be looking to the future if you want a productive and high performing workforce in the future.

 Sam McKee, founder of recruitment company Ethical Jobseeker comments “The concept of a ‘Good job’ has changed. Candidates are no longer only driven by the need for personal success and to work for a blue-chip brand. They want to contribute to society and to work for an employer which looks after the people and the planet as well as their bottom line.” If you want to stay one step ahead of the competition by hiring the brightest talent, now is the time to champion the positive impact your employees can have.