11:45 - Attracting a Younger Workforce

In this 11:45, Bo Stevenson delivered a version of his "Toastmaster's" presentation on attracting and integrating younger generations into the workforce. He emphasized the importance of adapting company culture, branding, and onboarding practices to appeal to Gen Z and leverage the fresh perspectives and skills younger employees bring.

Key Takeaways:

Adapt to a Changing Workforce: Embracing generational differences is crucial for company survival and success.

• 75% of the workforce will be Gen Z by 2025.
• Companies must be open to diverse backgrounds, appearances, and communication styles.
• Younger employees bring fresh ideas, tech skills, and new processes that can build the business.

Cultivate a Strong Company Culture: A consistent environment of trust, respect, and professionalism attracts younger talent.

• Perks like pizza or ping pong do not define your company culture. Actions do.
• Eliminate "bad apples" who don't align with the culture of trust and respect.

Strengthen Employer Branding: Showcase company culture and vision through engaging content and employee advocacy.

• Involve younger employees in creating authentic branding content, like videos.
• Communicate the company's evolved vision to all relevant parties, including recruiters.
• Recognize that "like attracts like" - a strong, inclusive brand will draw diverse talent.

Prioritize Effective Onboarding: The onboarding process begins at first contact and sets the tone for the employee experience.

• Recognize that early missteps, like missed interviews, can irrevocably damage candidate perceptions.
• Implement mentorship programs to facilitate knowledge transfer from seasoned to new employees.

Embrace Workplace Flexibility: Younger generations value and expect flexible work arrangements.

• Understand that remote work is not a "torture" to endure, but a key factor in attracting talent.
• Establish clear remote work policies and ensure employees are equipped for success.
• Recognize that trust is a two-way street - both employer and employee must prove themselves.

By sharing these insights and strategies with clients, you can help them build a strong, adaptable culture that positions them for long-term success in an evolving talent landscape.