Zoomers to the Rescue: How the Irish Public Service can overcome its recruitment gaps by attracting and retaining Generation Z

Mernagh, Éilis (2024) Zoomers to the Rescue: How the Irish Public Service can overcome its recruitment gaps by attracting and retaining Generation Z. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

This dissertation explores how the Irish public service can address its recruitment challenges by attracting and retaining Generation Z candidates. The Irish public and civil service currently faces issues in recruiting the “Generation Z” age group, at a time when the public sector is also facing a retirement “cliff edge” as many of its older workforce retires. The purpose of this research is to explore how best to attract this cohort from the perspective of public service recruiters and hiring managers. Qualitative research was carried out using semi-structured interviews with 10 senior civil service staff members who fit the identified criteria. The interviews, which utilised open-ended questions, were designed with a view to addressing the research question and objectives. The researcher subsequently thematically analysed the results, critically reviewing them alongside the identified existing literature on the topic of Generation Z, their workplace values and preferences, and public sector recruitment. This research demonstrates that the Irish public service is not currently attracting Generation Z candidates in any significant numbers, but that there is potential to entice this cohort by emphasising the rewarding “mission” of the public service and enhancing and promoting the current benefits on offer, particularly at entry level. Furthermore, the research shows that promoting and implementing a more adaptable, flexible approach to employment will be critical if the public service is to better attract Generation Z candidates and establish itself as an employer of choice.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Supervisors:	Name Email Del Rosal, Victor UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > Ireland J Political Science > JS Local government Municipal government > Public Sector H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Quality of Work Life / Job Satisfaction H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Recruitment
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Business Administration
Depositing User:	Ciara O'Brien
Date Deposited:	17 Jun 2025 17:24
Last Modified:	17 Jun 2025 17:24
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/7887

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