Business Matters
By Selina Setrakian www . canadianmusictrade . com
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How to Better Manage Gen Z Employees
Adjusting to the arrival of an entirely new generation can have a significant impact on a workplace , especially when ideologies , methods of work , and styles of communication don ’ t mesh well . That ’ s why now is a better time than ever to begin preparing for and understanding the inner workings of incoming Gen Z employees , which are those born between 1997 and 2012 ( give or take a year or two ). With insight , advice , and practical takeaways from Lindy Campbell , owner and manager of Music on the Hill in Washington , DC , you can feel more confident you ’ ll be getting the best out of your new Gen Z employees .
PHOTO : ELIOTT REYNA ON UNSPLASH
When it comes to behaviour in the workforce , what are the key differences in Gen Z from previous generations ?
1 . They ’ re digital natives who weren ’ t taught the basics … As digital natives , Gen Z employees are considered incredibly proficient at working with and figuring out new technologies , alongside troubleshooting platforms , and designing visual aspects of social media , such as layouts and the way something feels , explains Campbell . However , this skill seems to be a bit of a double-edged sword . When observing a Gen Z employee , you may notice they lack experience and understanding of skills otherwise considered commonplace , such as writing emails and talking on the phone in a professional manner .
“ They weren ’ t taught computer etiquette , they were taught how to code ,” says Campbell , who recently presented a NAMM U session on this topic at Summer NAMM . “ It ’ s the things older generations were taught and taken for granted .”
Campbell reminds managers , first and foremost , to realize it ’ s not them being immature or difficult , it ’ s just a skill that has yet to be taught to them . “ Essentially , expect to teach skills you haven ’ t had to teach before , such as phone and email etiquette . Encouraging them to hone their intuition and observation skills is also a must .”
2 . … But they are practical and prepared Despite their age , you will find Gen Z employees to be significantly more practical than the last few generations have been . Campbell believes this is likely a result of the economic recession and a lot of the things in our world creating stress even in adults .
“ The message that they ’ ve absolutely internalized is that life isn ’ t easy – it ’ s going to be a struggle , so they need to make smart choices , need to really care , need to be smart about the college they choose , need to find a job with benefits , etc . Personally , I think it ’ s going to serve them well ,” says Campbell . “ I ’ m seeing 20-year-olds who aren ’ t even off their parents ’ insurance yet asking me about my health care plans , retirement , and 401K and it ’ s not that they need it now , but they care about that stuff . They care deeply about being prepared for their future and I think having that more realistic attitude is probably going to result in a more stable adult life .”
As for why this generation is so mature , Campbell ’ s research leads her to believe it is due to their upbringing . Since many Gen Zs were raised by Gen X parents , they were taught from a young age to not trust a boss and that they would have to work hard for anything they wanted . “ They had a much more straight-talking parents set and were raised just with a lot more practicality and realism ,” explains Campbell .
3 . They need a little bit of space Interestingly , you may also notice they
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