Managing Gen Z At Work

Photo by MART PRODUCTION on Pexels.com

Watch for Gen Z to combine the physical with the digital in how they consume, live, and work.’

Be open to new additions to the lexicon– they may be visual, video, or even symbolic; all of them can enhance communication.’

‘Allow employees to create their own job titles.’

Incorporate new ways to track, post, monitor, measure, and share performance data.’

Accept that college isn’t the answer for everyone– explore what other avenues can equip Gen Z to have productive lives and careers.’

Understand how intensely Gen Z experiences FOMO.’

Remind employees what they are learning, how they fit into the larger picture, and the achievements they’ve had to help combat career FOMO.’

‘Coach Gen Z on how to establish the credibility and capacity of sources they identified.’

Watch for Gen Z to be entrepreneurial and put that to work internally rather than lose them.’

Keep one foot on the brake pedal to avoid Gen Z going so fast they make critical mistakes.’

Source:

David Stillman and Jonah Stillman (2017). Gen Z at Work: How the Next Generation Is Transforming the Workplace

Leading An Effective Multigenerational Workforce

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Analyze your team or organization to understand which generations are represented or underrepresented and how your generation mix compares to the U.S. labor force overall. This will help you to determine which elements of your organization to consider remixing first.’

‘Empathize. Learn about the experiences of other generations in order to understand what values and expectations they bring to the workplace.’

Assume the best intentions. Give members of the other generations the benefit of the doubt when they make decision or take action you disagree with. This leads to more understanding and effectiveness all around.’

Be more transparent. Since the internet and social media have leveled the playing field when it comes to access to information, leaders have no choice but to be more transparent and democratic with their knowledge.’

Challenge your recruiting ‘musts’ by rethinking the characteristics and qualifications of talent you have historically recruited for certain positions.’

Take a look at whether you possess any ageist views or expectations that are getting in the way of effectively managing age or experience and help employees understand why you hold certain expectations.’

‘Generational differences are most acutely experienced around communication issues. Companies that teach diverse colleagues how to communicate more effectively with one another will have a tremendous advantage.’

‘The best way to communicate one-on-one and ensure your messages are heard and understood is to become a communication chameleon. Ask your key shareholders how they prefer to communicate and share your preferences with the people you lead.’

‘Many companies fail to appreciate the importance of onboarding, but this is a critical moment to begin retaining employees of all generations. Help people feel welcome, informed, connected, and valuable from their first day on the job.’

‘To provide the most effective training to a multigenerational workforce, experiment with multifaceted, hybrid options. Consider online and off-line courses, various lengths of training offerings, individual coaching, educational games and quizzes, bite-sized- videos, rotational assignments, and more.’

Source:

Lindsey Pollack (2019). Remix: How to Lead and Succeed in the Multigenerational Workplace