By Scott Lesnick

Several years ago I became unpopular. Yes, I did what I always do. I stirred things up. This time it was the generational pot.

Five years ago, Millennials was a bad word. Five years ago, I would get my fair share of crap from some people as I began to do what few were doing at the time- flying Millennials’ flags high, showing why they were so important and upsetting Boomers and Xers along the way.

Today, their leadership can be seen at businesses and associations across North America.

Thankfully, most folks would begin to see things as I saw them. I’d even have women and men come up to me after I presented and thank me for helping them understand the unique talents, characteristics and motivations of Millennials.

Well, it’s that time again folks. But this time it’s Millennials on steroids mixed with a healthy dose of the generation preceding Boomers: The Vets –aka The Greatest Generation.

The iGen, Generation Z, Globals; this generation ranges in age from 7-21 years of age. And they are massive in numbers at around 84 million in the US. Their productivity and work ethic is great, once you get to know them.

A few things to keep in mind when working with this generation are:

They love their technology.
Generation Z was born just before the age of smart phones and grew up using them. Don’t take them away. This is their life line. The employer who works with this information is better positioned to retain these passionate young women and men.

College – sure, but not the way you necessarily want us to.
Globals have seen the debt that their siblings, parents, and others have accumulated to get a two- or four-year degree and they’re scared. They’re also angry.

The thought that tens of thousands of dollars must be spent along with high interest rate debt is more than just upsetting.

So, some are opting to go from high school to the workplace while earning their degree online or during evenings/weekends.

They may not come to you with a college degree, but they’ll most likely get one and it will be completed their way.

The employer who understands this newer trend will be poised to hire and retain a young and talented pool of employees.

This generation is more conservative when it comes to job security.
They’ve heard about downsizing. They’ve listened as family members described the struggles of 2008. They’re cautious and desire job stability. Offer this, and you’re more likely to retain them and get their friends to consider working for you too!

The iGen are poised to rock the economy, the workplace and our lives. If you’re ready you have a distinct advantage. If you welcome them, you will be adding a new layer of young talent to your staff. However, if you wait on the sidelines to see what they’re all about, if they’ve “got game” and will perform well, your competitors will pass you by in a blink of an eye.

Scott Lesnick is speaking at the HR Conference + Tradeshow 2018. His session, Motivating, Managing & Mentoring Multi-Generations and Cultures, is on Tuesday, May 1. For more information on this and other sessions, please visit cphrbc.ca/conference.

Scott Lesnick is a keynote speaker, trainer and author. Learn more at www.scottlesnick.com.