Today's younger workers are looking for something different.
When I was entering the workforce as a high schooler back in 1985, a job was a job. I expected it to provide me with one thing...a few bucks to go to the movies or to put gas in my car. The world was a very different place.
Today, teenagers and young adults are smarter and more connected than ever. My son is a perfect example. At the wise old age of 17, he left his job at a country club because it was "boring" and "a waste of time." The biggest reason he left, because he can make more flipping a pair of Nikes than he can working 15 hours at the country club. We often joke, "It's because of kids like you that my clients can't find employees." I say...he turns and gives me that "Yea I'm too smart for that!" kind of smile.
So, how do we lure other younger workers to join our teams? You need to provide more than a paycheck and, most importantly, you need to stand for something more than driving top line sales or 5 star reviews. Those goals do not motivate todays younger workforce. Here are a few things to consider...
Give back! Today's young kids are more aware of local and global struggles that plague our society. Make charitable giving a part of your business plan. Hold fundraisers, get involved with charitable organizations that support those in need in your community and get your team involved. What organizations or movements are important to them? What can they get behind? Make them proud to work for your company because of what you represent.
Train and Develop...Develop and implement an employee development initiative. Todays younger worker is motivated, driven and goal oriented. A paycheck isn't enough to motivate them, they want to learn, grow and be challenged. A simple 30 minute meeting, a newsletter or even a guest speaker can work wonders in motivating and inspiring your team. Ultimately, for every member of your team, you want them to look back on their career experience and see working for your business as a good step in their career path.
Involve...ask them "What do you think?" when faced with hospitality, business or cultural issues. Research has proven that people who are asked for their opinions on business related topics feel respected, trusted and a part of something bigger. But just don't do it for those reasons, do it because you believe in your team and what they bring to your business. You hired them for a reason.
Trust. Don't micromanage your team...trust them. Today's younger workers demand this! Take steps to develop a hiring and onboarding process that surrounds you with the "right" people. Do that and you will have a team you can trust to make good decisions because they understand what your goals are and their role in helping you get there. Be a teacher more than a manager.
Enjoy the journey!
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