A Millennial and a Gen Z-er walked into your Print Shop…….

Sounds like the beginning to a new take on an old joke, doesn’t it?

At the PINE annual conference this year we got to hear some real-world scientific data from Dr. Kent Wessinger about accountability and retention of your younger workforce.

If you read no further than this statement, at least you will take this FACT away:

Your ability to attract and retain Gen Z talent to your workforce is directly proportional to your ability to attract Gen Z clients.

Let that sink in.

There is a TREMENDOUS amount of movement happening in the workforce, and your company is probably no exception.

So, rather than bemoan the entitled attitudes of our younger potential workforce, let’s get a few things straight.

Understanding Millennial and Gen Z Traits

Before diving into attraction and retention strategies, let’s take a moment to understand what sets millennials (born roughly between 1981 and 1996) and Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) apart.

  1. Tech-Savvy: Both generations grew up in the digital age, making them highly tech-savvy. They expect seamless online experiences, from shopping to work collaboration tools.
  2. Purpose-Driven: Millennials and Gen Z are often motivated by a sense of purpose. They want to work for and support companies that align with their values and contribute positively to society.
  3. Flexible Work Arrangements: These generations value work-life balance and often prefer flexible work arrangements, such as remote or hybrid work options.
  4. Diversity and Inclusion: Diversity and inclusion are paramount for millennials and Gen Z. They seek workplaces and brands that prioritize equity and inclusivity.
  5. Personalization: Customization and personalization are key. They appreciate personalized marketing and communication efforts that cater to their individual preferences.

Attracting Millennial and Gen Z Employees

  1. Emphasize Purpose: Showcase your company’s commitment to making a positive impact. Highlight sustainability efforts, social responsibility initiatives, and opportunities for employees to get involved in charitable activities.
  2. Flexible Work Policies: Offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible hours, to accommodate their desire for work-life balance.
  3. Professional Growth: Develop clear career paths and invest in continuous learning and development programs. Millennials and Gen Z are eager to learn and grow in their roles.
  4. Embrace Diversity: Foster a diverse and inclusive workplace. Actively promote diversity in hiring and create an inclusive culture where all voices are heard and valued.

Retaining Millennial and Gen Z Employees

  1. Mentorship and Feedback: Provide regular feedback and mentorship opportunities. These generations crave guidance and appreciate mentors who can help them navigate their careers.
  2. Recognition and Rewards: Implement recognition programs that acknowledge achievements and contributions. Consider non-monetary rewards like additional time off or experiences.
  3. Work-Life Balance: Continue to prioritize work-life balance and flexibility. Encourage employees to take breaks, avoid excessive overtime, and maintain a healthy work environment.

Attracting Millennial and Gen Z Customers

  1. Online Presence: Invest in a strong online presence, including a user-friendly website and active social media presence. Utilize digital marketing channels to engage with these tech-savvy generations.
  2. Personalized Experiences: Use data analytics to personalize your marketing efforts. Tailor recommendations and promotions based on their browsing and purchase history.
  3. Social Responsibility: Highlight your commitment to social and environmental causes. Demonstrate how your products or services contribute to positive change in the world.
  4. Interactive Content: Create engaging and interactive content such as videos, polls, and quizzes to capture their attention and encourage participation.

Retaining Millennial and Gen Z Customers

  1. Consistent Communication: Maintain open and consistent communication with customers through various channels. Respond promptly to inquiries and feedback.
  2. Loyalty Programs: Implement loyalty programs that offer exclusive discounts, rewards, or early access to new products or services.
  3. Quality and Transparency: Ensure product quality and be transparent about your business practices. Gen Z, in particular, values authenticity and ethical business behavior.

The time is NOW to embrace the many gifts and talents of a Gen Z and Millennial workforce. There is so much to be gained, and the strategies you put into place to attract and retain younger talent AND customers will pay off for decades to come.

Connect with Dr. Kent to find out more!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentwessingerphd/