How to Work with the Next Gen Employees
Take a quick scan of your office break room or next staff meeting. If your team is looking younger and younger, you’re not imagining things. Sunscreen and skin care are doing their job to preserve fresh faces, but the natural progression of age is seeing Boomers and Gen Xers retire out of the workforce. The gap has been filled by Millennials and, increasingly so, Gen Z. According to Gallup, 46% of the workforce is now made up of Millennials and Gen Z.
If you fall into the (*ahem*) more mature generations, this may feel uncomfortable, but that’s ok. Rather than fearing being out of touch or pushed out of relevance, recognize these younger coworkers are the future of the church and your organization. Learning to lead them, be led by them, or generally coexist is essential.
Statistically, these younger generations are highly educated, digitally savvy, creative and care immensely about social and ethical issues around the globe. These are all excellent traits those in ministry are harnessing to further the Kingdom. A few key things to remember when it comes to Millennials and Gen Z:
They don’t bite! Multigenerational work teams offer dynamic perspectives and experiences. You may be surprised by how much you have in common or how much you have to learn from one another.
They want to be around you. Just like every generation before them, they want to be seen, included and poured into. Look for opportunities to provide spiritual and work mentorship to your younger cohorts.
If not them, then who? It’s only natural (and inevitable) that the existing workforce will eventually age out and younger generations will replace them. Spend your effort learning to collaborate and develop them so you can be successful together, and ensure the future success of your organization.
Want to learn more about working with Millennials and Gen Z?
HR Ministry Solutions is offering a FREE webinar with guest Holly Tate of Leadr. Click below to watch!