Young people are on track to becoming the most populous and diverse generation in the workforce. The World Economic Forum suggests that Gen Z, born roughly between 1997 and 2012, will account for 27% of employed individuals by 2025.
Despite the usual “laziness” stereotype, lost just likely misunderstand Gen Z. As the first generation was raised without ever knowing life without the internet, they’ve come to value authenticity, self-expression, well-being and flexibility.
They’re also eager learners, making them ideal candidates for mentoring and professional development in their budding careers.
Business owners should view the newest generation as an opportunity to flex their leadership skills and impart their knowledge, insights and assistance to boost the Gen Z workforce. As young people fill the applicant job pool, leaders can find new ways to inspire young professionals within a company.
Provide Mentorship
Imagine going back in time and asking your future self what it takes to succeed. Leadership puts you in a prime position to mentor the newest generation, offering words of wisdom, encouragement and guidance.
When you share your journey with others, you forge emerging leaders that will take your lessons with them throughout their careers.
Outreach could be as simple as an invite for coffee or lunch to discuss their career goals and challenges. Also, schedule one-on-one monthly or bi-monthly meetings with them to find out what they’ve learned and need assistance with and provide invaluable advice.
The most influential leaders share stories from everyday life with authenticity and charisma, leaning into what it takes to embody leadership and purpose in the workforce.
Additionally, mentorship requires you to show up to help employees meet challenges. Offering assistance to work through specific problems or sharing different ways to handle situations and processes can change their career projective.
Promote Internally
Mentorship inspires, but companies should focus on motivating and retaining the new generation by promoting internally.
It’s easy to search outward for experienced talent to take on mid-career and senior positions. While talented applicants are out there, nothing puts a company in better standing than helping young people move up the corporate ladder from within.
Promoting internally will boost your company’s reputation and show you value your younger workforce. It’ll also draw more applicants in the future and encourage employers to enhance their productivity and succeed.
Offer Professional Development
Gen Z is interested in doing well at work — most have extensive education behind them and have adopted specialized skills and training in preparation for employment. However, there’s always room for improvement.
You can support the newest generation of workers by offering professional development at various points in their careers. Ongoing training ensures that employees are comfortable with the latest technologies and processes and boosts their confidence in their current roles.
It’s also an investment in your employees to help pave the way for a promotion. By offering professional development, you can create more equal opportunities for your employees’ growth.
Share Connections
Influential leaders can inspire young professionals by sharing their contacts. Your advice can prove invaluable to someone starting in the workforce.
However, expanding their network of other successful leaders, industry experts and inspiring entrepreneurs can change their career outlook.
Because Gen Z is a highly digital-oriented population, it’s common for most people to believe they’re fixated on social media communications. Yet, while online engagement is important to them, they still value in-person conversations and recognize the value of developing strong interpersonal skills.
Connections from all career levels and roles will make a difference in their learning. You can leverage your credibility to reach out to colleagues, investors and customers who will foster incentives and direction for your new workers.
Foster Community and Inclusivity
Today’s workforce cares greatly about social issues, environmentalism and diversity. Leaders must create an equal workplace where everyone feels valued, involved and supported.
A great company will inspire the newest generation by hiring diverse talent, including different races and genders. Having broad representation will cultivate a tighter organizational community.
Young professionals are highly diverse. According to Pew Research Center, 48% of Gen Z are non-Caucasian — down from 61% in 2002. Of this, one in four people is Hispanic, while 14% and 6% are Black and Asian, respectively — naturally, representation matters in the office.
Inspire Leaders of Tomorrow
The newest generation may be just starting their careers, but one day they’ll be tomorrow’s top leaders. Help your young workers succeed through mentorship and support on their professional journeys.
