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There is an old saying, “You know you’re getting old when police officers start looking young.” If your management team and employees are looking younger, it’s because they are. So, don’t ignore the Zoomers, because they are already having a significant impact on your business!
Generation Z – “the Zoomers” – those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, are entering the work force and are your corporate leaders of the near future. Unlike the Baby Boomers, there is relatively few of them.
A key success factor for your business is to accept this reality, understand their needs and nurture this generation cohort, because you’re gonna need ‘em!
What Makes Gen Z’s Unique
Known for being technologically savvy, having grown up with smartphones, social media, and instant access to information, Zoomers need and expect information at their fingertips to help them do their jobs. Employers needs to respond by accessing creative and interactive methods, which capture their interest, help them acquire the skills to access a meaningful career path and allow them to develop at their own pace.
As there aren’t many of them, the “keepers” have real value. So, to integrate and retain the best of Gen Z, prepare now for the inevitable. To prevail in a more competitive future marketplace, the winners will understand the development needs of Zoomers.
Gen Z Needs:
- An employer willing to invest in a clear career progression path.
- Core skill development (communication, leadership, selling).
- Practical core skills and real world application.
- Interactive training methods. Digital tools, e-learning, interactive modules.
- Social media for collaborative learning.
- Flexibility in scheduling and variety in training formats.
- Opportunities for peer-to-peer learning, group projects and mentorship.
- Regular and meaningful constructive feedback. They need to know the why. Not just the how.
- To engage in work life balance. Manage stress and their mental health.
- An employer which understands diversity and inclusion.
Gen Z’s are loyal to an employer which invests in their development, because face-to-face training, mentorship and effective coaching are crucial. So then, Gen Z’s will learn from experienced colleagues and leverage personalized guidance that seamlessly integrates into their organization.
Microlearning, which involves delivering content in small, manageable bits, is particularly effective, as it allows them to acquire new skills quickly and efficiently, fitting well into their fast-paced lifestyle.
In conclusion, developing Gen Z’s is critical to long term success, so be sure you don’t ignore the Zoomers. By acknowledging and addressing these needs, companies can ensure that they are well-equipped to leverage the skills and talents of this dynamic generation and create a generation of exceptional leaders.