Generational Engagement by the Numbers

By: CAITLIN 

TL;DR 

Different generations engage with recruitment content in distinct ways. Gen Z seeks purpose and identity, Millennials want life-aligned roles, and Gen X/Boomers value structure and recognition. Recognising these differences allows TA teams to design campaigns that resonate with each audience. 

 As you adopt a strategic enabler mindset, understanding generational differences becomes crucial in shaping recruitment campaigns. We’re in the most diverse workforce New Zealand has ever seen: Gen Z entering the workforce, Millennials at peak management, Gen X in senior leadership, and Boomers transitioning into flexible or legacy roles. 

The key truth: you can’t talk to everyone the same way. 

At ZEIL, data shows that each generation interacts differently with content, benefits, and messaging. 

Gen Z (18–27): “Who am I working for?” 

Gen Z seeks meaning, identity, and early momentum. They’re digitally fluent, highly values-driven, and curate their personal brand, expecting the same from employers. 

What they care about: 

• Company values and mission
• Growth and learning opportunities 
• Wellbeing-focused perks (birthdays off, dog-friendly offices) 
• Cultural inclusivity 
  

Data insights: 

• 56% chose remote work 

• Favoured perks: birthdays off, four-day week, work from home 
  Over-indexed on tags like dog-friendly, neurodiverse, rainbow tick 
  

What to do: Keep content real, visual, and values-led. Showcase people and culture. Don’t just describe the role, show the world your company stands for. 

Millennials (28–42): “How does this role support my life?” 

Career-focused, but balancing work-life, progression, and security. Often managing parenthood, mortgages, and career planning. 

What they care about: 

• Work-life fit and flexibility 

• Clear salary and career pathways 

• Purpose and culture alignment+ 

Data insights: 

• Hybrid work preferred 

• Family-friendly perks highly valued 

• Benefits like four-day weeks and mental health support outperformed traditional perks 

What to do: Be specific. Spell out career progression, pay transparency, and flexible conditions. Show how the role fits their life stage. 

Gen X & Boomers (43+): “Does this role value my experience?” 

Bring depth, loyalty, leadership. Still digitally capable, adaptable, and critical to organisational stability. 

What they care about: 

• Job security and structure 

• Clear expectations and leadership pathways 

• Tenure rewards 

Data insights: 

• 50% remote, 26% hybrid 

• Favoured perks: health insurance, competitive salary, WFH 

• Prefer clear role titles and full-time or flexible senior roles 

What to do: Lead with clarity. Highlight experience value, leadership opportunities, salary, and stability. 

The Common Thread: Flexibility 

Across all generations, flexibility is non-negotiable: remote work, hybrid models, or flexible schedules. Communicating flexibility and tailoring messaging improves engagement across age groups. 

Practical Tips 

• Tailor messaging to each generation’s priorities: values and purpose for Gen Z, flexibility and career clarity for Millennials, structure and recognition for Gen X/ Boomers. 

• Clearly communicate flexibility options: remote, hybrid, or adjusted schedules. 

• Highlight benefits that matter for each audience segment. 
• Use data to inform content strategy and campaign targeting.