Learn how to align your strategy with the top priorities of early-career talent—professional growth, flexibility, and wellness—and discover retention-focused strategies that work.
Insights from the 12twenty Jobs Report and other industry research reveal the trends shaping graduate priorities and offer a clear path forward for smarter hiring decisions.
Today’s graduates aren’t interested in cookie-cutter job offers. They want roles that reflect their values, respect their time, and provide growth opportunities. Here’s what the data reveals about their top priorities:
• 33% say professional development opportunities are critical when choosing a job. They want careers with clear paths for growth and learning. (NACE 2023 Student Survey.)
• 71% consider workplace flexibility options—such as location and hours—important, ranking just below retirement plans at 72%. (The Conference Board’s 2023 U.S. Workforce Preferences Report.)
• 78% of Gen Z prioritize health and wellness benefits when considering job offers, with mental health support being a top request. (Aflac WorkForces Report 2023.)
Employers who understand and address these priorities will attract—and retain—the best talent in 2025.
Here’s how employers can align with graduate priorities and stay ahead of the competition:
Graduates are looking for more than just a paycheck—they’re looking for careers. Offering professional development opportunities doesn’t just attract talent; it helps retain it.
What to Do:
• Highlight learning programs, certifications, and training in your job descriptions.
• Develop mentorship initiatives to support career growth.
• Create clear paths for promotions and upskilling within your organization.
The pandemic forever changed how graduates view work. Flexibility isn’t just about remote options—it’s about creating a balance that respects their lives outside of work.
What to Do:
• Embrace hybrid models or offer flexible hours.
• Equip teams with technology that supports seamless collaboration, no matter where they’re located.
• Build a culture that focuses on outcomes, not micromanaging hours.
Graduates increasingly seek employers whose values align with their own. Purpose-driven companies stand out in a crowded market and foster deeper employee engagement.
What to Do:
• Highlight your mission and impact in job postings and interviews.
• Support employee-driven initiatives, like volunteering or sustainability programs.
• Focus on visible actions in areas like DEI and corporate responsibility.
• Foster a culture that encourages balance and prevents burnout.
Hiring is just the first step. To truly win the talent race in 2025, employers need to focus on retention. Meeting graduates’ expectations for growth, flexibility, and wellness doesn’t just attract talent—it creates a foundation for long-term loyalty and engagement.
Retention starts with delivering on what you promise in the hiring process. By fostering a workplace that supports professional development, values work-life balance, and prioritizes employee well-being, you set your team—and your company—up for sustained success.
The 12twenty Jobs Report is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate the shifting priorities of early-career talent. From professional development to flexibility and beyond, the report gives you the tools to create a hiring strategy that works—not just for attracting talent, but for retaining it.
Set your team up for success in 2025. Explore the report today and start building your future workforce.
