What Today’s Candidates Really Want and How Westray Helps Employers Deliver It

At Westray Recruitment Group we have always believed that great hiring begins with understanding people. Candidates are not just CVs. They are individuals with ambitions, pressures and preferences. Today’s workforce is more diverse than ever with Gen Z entering employment and Baby Boomers approaching retirement. Each group has unique expectations and motivations.

This is why we created The MultiGen Playbook Report. It is an in-depth study of 60 professionals across four generations. The research gives employers one of the clearest views of what truly matters to candidates today and how businesses can attract and retain the right people in a competitive market.

Here is what we discovered along with how Westray Recruitment Group turns these insights into successful recruitment outcomes.

Different Motivators Across the Workforce but Shared Core Values

Every generation places a high value on transparency, communication and the chance to develop. They also value meaningful work. However each generation has its own priorities.

• Gen Z want financial security, clear progression and recognition.
• Millennials value company ethics, flexibility and work life balance.
• Gen X look for job security, ethical leadership and strong workplace culture.
• Baby Boomers prioritise supportive environments, clarity in their roles and the opportunity to use their experience well.

This reveals an important truth. People want to feel valued supported and able to grow at every stage of their career.

Work Preferences Are Shifting and Employers Must Keep Up

The report identifies clear trends in how people want to structure their working lives.

Gen Z
Prefer shorter commutes and standard hours. They also enjoy collaborative work and many are willing to take on overtime.

Millennials
More open to longer commutes and split between 8-hour shifts and 12-hour shift patterns. Flexibility is a top priority.

Gen X
A significant 93% prefer commutes under 30 minutes. They also place a high value on team spirit and workplace culture.

Baby Boomers
More flexible than expected. Many are still willing to work 12-hour shifts while others lean toward part-time hours.

These findings support what our consultants see daily. The right role must fit both lifestyle and skillset.

Support, Feedback and Development Matter More Than Ever

Generations differ in how they want to receive communication and feedback.

• Gen Z want regular and face-to-face feedback.
• Millennials prefer structured reviews that feel professional.
• Gen X value frequent constructive updates.
• Baby Boomers prefer autonomy and do not require constant feedback.

Communication is the number one need across the workforce. From mental health checkpoints valued by 40% of Gen Z to clear HR access appreciated by Gen X to burnout prevention for Millennials the message is simple.

People want employers who communicate clearly and support wellbeing.

Why Employees Stay and Why They Move On

Understanding the reasons behind retention and turnover is essential.

Reasons people stay

• Gen Z stay for financial security progression and feeling valued.
• Millennials stay when they enjoy their work and feel part of something meaningful.
• Gen X stay when they feel appreciated and enjoy the workplace culture.
• Baby Boomers stay for stability and enjoyment of their day-to-day roles.

Reasons people leave

• Gen Z move on for better pay or because they feel disrespected or micromanaged.
• Millennials leave due to overwhelming workloads or lack of appreciation.
• Gen X leave because of poor culture or poor work life balance.
• Baby Boomers leave due to insecurity in their roles or poor shift patterns.

This is why Westray works closely with clients to strengthen culture communication and career pathways. Retaining talent costs far less than replacing it.

Training, Skill Development and Recruitment Gaps Must Be Solved

The report highlighted clear training and skills challenges across generations.

• Over 53% of Gen Z said training and progression opportunities are missing.
• Millennials expressed frustration about poor communication and lack of development.
• Gen X raised concerns about watered-down apprenticeships.
• Baby Boomers noted declining hands-on expertise and challenges sourcing talent.

These findings reflect topics explored in our blog on why manufacturers choose Westray as their recruitment partner.

• https://westrayrecruitment.co.uk/blog/why-manufacturers-partner-with-westray-recruitment-group

They also align with the expertise showcased in our feature on the all-female team driving manufacturing recruitment at Westray.

• https://westrayrecruitment.co.uk/blog/the-all-female-team-powering-manufacturing-recruitment-at-westray

AI, Flexibility and the Future of Work

Across generations there is rising enthusiasm for flexible working technology and improved workplace benefits. Yet AI remains both exciting and concerning with many unsure how it will affect job security.

This was also a key theme in our blog about AI in business following the OWNE event.

• https://westrayrecruitment.co.uk/blog/ai-in-business-insights-from-the-owne-even

Future trends that motivate candidates include:

• More flexible working models
• Stronger wellbeing support
• Better use of technology
• Opportunities for lifelong learning
• Fair workplace benefits
• Westray helps employers build future-ready teams with people-first recruitment strategies backed by real data.

Why Employers Choose Westray Recruitment Group

Businesses choose Westray because they want a recruitment partner who understands people as well as job roles.

We offer:

• Evidence-based recruitment backed by real workforce insights
• A people-first approach focused on long-term retention
• Consultants with deep sector knowledge
• Proven success across manufacturing engineering logistics tech and corporate sectors
• Transparent communication and strong partnership values
• Westray helps employers attract the right people and keep them.

Let Us Help You Build the Workforce of Tomorrow

If your organisation wants to attract motivated engaged and loyal candidates Westray Recruitment Group is ready to support you. Our insight and expertise help you build teams that thrive.

• Email: info@westray.co.uk
• Telephone: 0191 492 6622

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