Everything you need to know about recruiting Gen Z in Vietnam

Erik Fiala
Erik Fiala
Founder, CEO at Source
Feb 27, 2023
20 min read
A girl sitting on the wooden stairs outside

Gen Z, also known as Generation Z, those born between 1997 and 2012, are now entering the workforce in Vietnam. As the first truly digital-native generation, they have different expectations and preferences compared to previous generations. To attract, engage, and retain these young workers, companies need to adjust their recruitment strategies. In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about recruiting Gen Z in Vietnam.

Table of contents

  1. Understanding Gen Z in Vietnam
  2. Strategies to attract Gen Z
  3. Engaging Gen Z in the workplace
  4. Retaining Gen Z talent
  5. Conclusion
  6. FAQ

Understanding Gen Z in Vietnam

Before we dive into recruitment strategies, it's essential to understand what motivates Gen Z in Vietnam. Some key traits of this generation include:

  • Digital natives: Gen Z grew up with smartphones, social media, and the internet, so they are incredibly comfortable with technology.
  • Socially conscious: They care deeply about social and environmental issues, and they expect their employers to do the same.
  • Individualistic: They value their independence and prioritize their personal development.
  • Entrepreneurial: They are not afraid to take risks and explore entrepreneurial ventures.

Strategies to attract Gen Z

Leverage digital channels

In today's digital age, leveraging digital channels is a must for companies looking to recruit Gen Z talent in Vietnam. This generation is highly connected and tech-savvy, and they rely heavily on online platforms for communication, information, and entertainment. Companies can use digital channels to communicate their employer brand, showcase their culture, and connect with candidates on a more personal and interactive level. Social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are powerful tools for building brand awareness and engaging with potential candidates. Consider using video content to appeal to this generation, as they are more likely to engage with visual content.

Digital channels also allow for a more streamlined and efficient recruitment process. Companies can use online tools such as applicant tracking systems, video interviews, and online assessments to screen and evaluate candidates quickly and effectively. This not only saves time and resources but also provides a more convenient and accessible experience for candidates. Digital channels also enable companies to measure and analyze recruitment data, which can help them make informed decisions and optimize their recruitment strategies over time. By leveraging digital channels, companies can effectively reach and engage Generation Z candidates and create a more efficient and data-driven recruitment process.

Offer a strong employer brand

Offering a strong employer brand is a crucial component of recruiting Gen Z talent in Vietnam. This generation is known for seeking authenticity and transparency from their employers, and they are attracted to companies that align with their values and offer a unique and meaningful employee experience. A strong employer brand can help companies differentiate themselves from their competitors and attract the best and brightest Gen Z candidates. To build a strong employer brand, companies should focus on creating a positive employee experience, communicating their mission and values, and promoting their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

One effective way to build a strong employer brand is by creating a positive employee experience. Companies can do this by offering competitive compensation and benefits, investing in employee training and development, and providing a supportive and inclusive work environment. They can also use employee feedback to improve their workplace culture and address any areas of concern. By creating a positive employee experience, companies can build a reputation as an employer of choice and attract top Gen Z talent in Vietnam.

Provide a clear career path

Providing a clear career path is essential for retaining Gen Z talent in Vietnam. This generation values career development and growth opportunities, and they want to know that their employer is invested in their long-term success. To provide a clear career path, companies should offer regular performance feedback, goal setting, and career planning. They can also provide opportunities for cross-functional training and development, job rotation, and mentorship. By doing so, companies can help employees acquire new skills and knowledge and gain exposure to different aspects of the business, which can prepare them for future leadership roles.

Clear career paths also help employees understand their role in the organization and how their work contributes to the company's overall mission and vision. This sense of purpose and meaning is particularly important for Gen Z, who prioritize a sense of meaning and fulfillment in their work. Companies that provide a clear career path can help employees feel more engaged and motivated, which can lead to higher productivity, lower turnover, and a more positive workplace culture. Overall, providing a clear career path is a win-win for both employees and employers, as it helps employees grow and develop while contributing to the success of the company.

Embrace diversity and inclusion

Embracing diversity and inclusion is critical for recruiting and retaining Gen Z talent in Vietnam. This generation values diversity and inclusivity and wants to work for companies that prioritize these values. To embrace diversity and inclusion, companies should develop policies and practices that promote a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. This includes creating a safe and welcoming environment for all employees, implementing fair and equitable hiring practices, and providing opportunities for employee feedback and engagement. Companies should also prioritize diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organization, from leadership to front-line employees.

A diverse and inclusive workplace can bring many benefits to companies, including increased innovation, creativity, and productivity. When employees feel valued and respected for their unique perspectives and experiences, they are more likely to bring their full selves to work and contribute to the success of the company. A diverse and inclusive workplace can also help companies better serve their customers and clients by bringing a range of perspectives and ideas to the table. Overall, embracing diversity and inclusion is a key factor in attracting and retaining top Gen Z talent in Vietnam and can help companies build a more engaged, productive, and innovative workforce.

Engaging Gen Z in the workplace

Provide opportunities for growth and learning

Providing opportunities for growth and learning is crucial for recruiting and retaining Gen Z talent in Vietnam. This generation values personal and professional development and wants to work for companies that offer these opportunities. To provide opportunities for growth and learning, companies can offer training and development programs, mentorship opportunities, job rotation, and cross-functional projects. They can also encourage employees to attend conferences and workshops and provide tuition reimbursement for continuing education courses. By investing in employee growth and learning, companies can not only attract top talent but also develop a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce.

Opportunities for growth and learning can also lead to higher employee engagement and retention. When employees feel like they are learning and developing new skills, they are more likely to feel fulfilled and engaged in their work. This can lead to higher productivity, better job satisfaction, and lower turnover rates. Companies that invest in employee growth and learning can also benefit from increased innovation and creativity, as employees bring new ideas and perspectives to the table. Overall, providing opportunities for growth and learning is a win-win for both employees and employers and is essential for attracting and retaining Gen Z talent in Vietnam.

Create a collaborative work environment

Creating a collaborative work environment is essential for attracting and retaining Gen Z talent in Vietnam. This generation values teamwork, collaboration, and communication and wants to work for companies that promote these values. To create a collaborative work environment, companies can encourage open communication, provide opportunities for teamwork, and foster a culture of collaboration. This can include creating shared spaces for employees to work together, implementing team-building activities, and providing tools and technology to facilitate collaboration. By promoting collaboration, companies can not only attract top talent but also build a more cohesive and productive workforce.

A collaborative work environment can also lead to increased innovation and creativity. When employees work together and share ideas, they can come up with new and innovative solutions to problems. Collaborative teams can also bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table, which can lead to more creative solutions. Additionally, a collaborative work environment can help employees feel more connected to their colleagues and the company, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates. Overall, creating a collaborative work environment is a key factor in attracting and retaining top Gen Z talent in Vietnam and can lead to a more engaged, innovative, and productive workforce.

Retaining Gen Z talent

Offer flexibility and work-life balance

Offering flexibility and work-life balance is critical for attracting and retaining Gen Z talent in Vietnam. This generation values work-life balance and wants to work for companies that offer flexible work arrangements. To offer flexibility and work-life balance, companies can offer remote work options, flexible scheduling, and paid time off. They can also encourage employees to take breaks during the day and provide wellness programs and resources to promote work-life balance. By offering flexibility and work-life balance, companies can not only attract top talent but also improve employee satisfaction and productivity.

Flexibility and work-life balance can also lead to a more diverse and inclusive workplace. By offering flexible work arrangements, companies can attract employees who may not be able to work traditional 9-to-5 hours due to caregiving responsibilities or other personal commitments. This can lead to a more diverse and inclusive workforce, which can bring many benefits to companies, including increased innovation, creativity, and productivity. Additionally, offering flexibility and work-life balance can help employees feel more valued and supported, which can lead to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates. Overall, offering flexibility and work-life balance is a key factor in attracting and retaining top Gen Z talent in Vietnam and can help companies build a more engaged, diverse, and productive workforce.

Provide competitive compensation and benefits

Providing competitive compensation and benefits is essential for recruiting and retaining Gen Z talent in Vietnam. This generation values fair and competitive compensation packages and wants to work for companies that offer these benefits. To provide competitive compensation and benefits, companies can conduct regular salary reviews, offer performance-based bonuses, and provide comprehensive benefits packages. This can include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other perks such as gym memberships or flexible work arrangements. By providing competitive compensation and benefits, companies can not only attract top talent but also improve employee satisfaction and retention.

Competitive compensation and benefits can also help companies stay competitive in the market. In Vietnam, many industries are highly competitive, and companies must offer attractive compensation packages to attract and retain top talent. Companies that provide fair and competitive compensation and benefits can also benefit from increased employee loyalty and engagement. When employees feel that they are fairly compensated and valued by their employer, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged in their work. This can lead to higher productivity, better job satisfaction, and lower turnover rates. Overall, providing competitive compensation and benefits is a key factor in attracting and retaining top Gen Z talent in Vietnam and is essential for building a successful and competitive workforce.

Offer a purpose-driven work environment

Offering a purpose-driven work environment is important for attracting and retaining Gen Z talent in Vietnam. This generation values working for companies that are making a positive impact on society and the environment. They want to work for organizations that are aligned with their values and are contributing to a larger purpose. To offer a purpose-driven work environment, companies can develop a clear mission and vision statement that aligns with their values and communicates their larger purpose. They can also incorporate social and environmental initiatives into their business practices and encourage employees to get involved in these efforts. By offering a purpose-driven work environment, companies can attract top talent who are passionate about making a difference and contributing to something larger than themselves.

A purpose-driven work environment can also lead to increased employee satisfaction and engagement. When employees feel that their work has a greater purpose and is contributing to a larger cause, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged in their work. This can lead to higher productivity, better job satisfaction, and lower turnover rates. Additionally, purpose-driven companies often attract a more diverse and passionate workforce, which can lead to increased innovation and creativity. Overall, offering a purpose-driven work environment is a key factor in attracting and retaining top Gen Z talent in Vietnam and can help companies build a more engaged, diverse, and productive workforce.

Recognize and reward performance

Recognizing and rewarding performance is an important factor in attracting and retaining Gen Z talent in Vietnam. This generation values recognition for their work and wants to be rewarded for their contributions. To recognize and reward performance, companies can implement performance-based incentives, such as bonuses or promotions, to encourage employees to achieve their goals and improve their performance. Companies can also create recognition programs that highlight and celebrate the achievements of top performers. By recognizing and rewarding performance, companies can create a culture of achievement and motivation that can lead to higher productivity and job satisfaction among employees.

Recognizing and rewarding performance can also help companies retain top talent. When employees feel that their hard work and contributions are valued by their employer, they are more likely to feel satisfied with their job and committed to the company. This can lead to increased loyalty and reduced turnover rates. Additionally, recognizing and rewarding performance can help identify top performers who may have potential for leadership roles within the company. By investing in the development of these employees and providing them with opportunities for growth and advancement, companies can build a more skilled and competitive workforce. Overall, recognizing and rewarding performance is a key factor in attracting and retaining top Gen Z talent in Vietnam and can lead to increased employee satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty.

Conclusion

Recruiting Gen Z in Vietnam requires a new approach. Attracting, engaging, and retaining Gen Z talent in Vietnam requires a deep understanding of their values, priorities, and preferences. This generation is tech-savvy, socially conscious, and values work-life balance and career growth. To attract and retain top Gen Z talent, companies need to offer a strong employer brand, provide opportunities for growth and learning, create a collaborative work environment, offer flexibility and work-life balance, and provide competitive compensation and benefits. Additionally, companies need to embrace diversity and inclusion, provide a clear career path, offer a purpose-driven work environment, and recognize and reward performance. By implementing these strategies, companies can build a more engaged, diverse, and productive workforce that can drive business success in the rapidly changing market of Vietnam. Ultimately, companies that prioritize recruiting and retaining Gen Z talent are positioning themselves for long-term success and growth.

FAQ

  1. What skills are most important for Gen Z in Vietnam?

Gen Z in Vietnam values skills such as creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and digital literacy. They also place a high value on interpersonal skills, such as communication, collaboration, and empathy.

  1. How can companies attract diverse candidates from Gen Z?

To attract diverse candidates, companies can partner with community organizations, use job boards that specialize in diversity recruitment, and review their recruitment processes to ensure they are inclusive and bias-free.

  1. What benefits are most important for Gen Z in Vietnam?

Gen Z in Vietnam values benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional development.

  1. What kind of workplace culture is important to Gen Z in Vietnam?

Gen Z in Vietnam values a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive workplace culture. They want to work for companies that promote teamwork, respect, and diversity and provide opportunities for employees to learn and grow.

  1. How can companies engage Gen Z in Vietnam in the recruitment process?

Companies can engage Gen Z in Vietnam by using social media and other digital channels to communicate their employer brand and showcase their culture. They can also offer interactive and immersive recruitment experiences, such as virtual job fairs, gamified assessments, and personalized messaging, to attract and engage this generation.

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