with their individuality. A McKinsey study noted individual identity at the core of their attitudes and thought processes. Generation Z even uses their consumerism as an expression of this individuality, acknowledging how brands and clothing illustrate their identities. “Gen Z is viewing brands as complementary to who they are. Core to their identity are issues around diversity, inclusivity, sustainability, transparency and trustworthiness,” says Michael Engert, co-founder and president of Good Light, a non-binary, clean, vegan, cruelty-free and sustainably produced skincare brand. (Vogue) Consider allowing them to personalize their work stations within a flexible framework you construct together. Allow as much clothing flexibility as possible. Consider allowing employee-input on background music, etc. current role. Altogether, they logged 50% more hours watching online courses than learners from any other generation. “This investment in themselves is both fulfilling and a competitive advantage,” says Amy Borsetti, Senior Director of LinkedIn Learning. Alberto encourages his entire staff to bring in models and family members when they don’t have clients scheduled in order to continue to practice, practice, practice. “When you’re using a model and giving them a free hair-cut, it’s easier to call over another assistant or stylist and show them what you’re doing or ask questions. I think working as a team and being transparent about that as a key to having a positive culture in the salon. No one is ‘stealing’ clients. We’re all working together and we all want the same thing. Happy customers and great word-of-mouth.” Gen Z values training, human connection, and an authentic company culture—and they want to invest in a job that invests in them. When employees are continually learning, employers and shop owners benefit. “What organization doesn’t want… higher retention rates, higher likelihood of attracting a diverse pool of talent, and happier and more engaged employees?” asks Borsetti. “It’s not just about learning itself, it’s also about the outcomes.” As you might even remember, assistants can feel out of the loop, and though Gen Z wants to learn, they can be painfully shy. Don’t assume a quiet assistant is an apathetic one. Make sure to call them over when a stylist is performing a popular cut or technique as well as unique services. Gen Z cannot tolerate boredom. Make sure they know that watching the stylists is actually part of the duties and expectations of their job. Alberto believes that people of all generations will live up the expectations you give them. Salons often have a bad reputation of being centers of gossip and cut-throat competition. Alberto has a simple but brilliant solution. “When I hire someone I say, ‘I don’t have a problem here with gossip and snark. If problems like that arise, I’ll know where it’s coming from.” As the saying goes, you can teach skills, but you can’t change personalities. You can, however, encourage the best from your staff by modeling the same. As we learned above, Gen Z places high values on integrity, authenticity, unity, passion, trust, and accountability. They desire respect but they give it back. Alberta takes the same line with cash at the salon. “I say, “Here is the register and here is the front door. I’ve never had anyone steal a nickel from me, so I don’t have this locked up.” Chances are your Gen Z employee will feel so honored to garner this much trust, they won’t take advantage.
Remember that you need to be flexible, too, and truly hear your young employees. Allow them to make suggestions on how your shop might become more environmentally friendly, local charities the salon can get involved in, and/or ways to expand the diversity of your staff and your clientele. 4. Be transparent . Involve or communicate changes you might make, decisions you’re considering whether they be brands you carry or store hours. Older generations were taught to respect authority even when they don’t agree with it; younger generations were taught to be vocal and resist authoritarianism. If you communicate feedback and changes openly, Generation Z will be on board. (Workforce) 5. Be open to allowing them to personalize their work experience . Generation Z’s work ethic ties An approach to emulate Louis Alberta has run a successful salon in the suburbs of Philadelphia for more than 20 years. A Gen X’er himself, he’s worked with every age group of our era. As you might expect, he has seen some changes in personnel over the years, as well as similarities. Though his shop only has 13 seats, its brought in more than one million dollars in revenue for the past several years (pre and post COVID, obviously). Louis encourages his staff to be life-long learners, by going as far as offering to pay for classes and modeling behavior by attending Sasson Masters Academy annually. Louis experience corroborates with what we learned from the Monster, Viacom, and Kronos studies above. “The Boomers and the X’ers loved to continue to learn, but for a very long time now, the Millennials were resistant and very much felt like they learned all the needed to in cosmetology school,” Louis said. “Some Millennials eventually realize they have to keep their skills fresh, but some never do. You have to accept that the people who weren’t meant to work in the industry will weed themselves out.” So, try not to worry or think that every Gen Z employee is yours for life. It is estimated that Gen Z will have 17 jobs across 5 different careers in their lifetime. Gen Z are fluid and adaptable in all ways. While working, they will be looking to gain transferable skills that they can continue to build on as their career develops. https://clairemadden. com/category/blog/gen-z-future-employability- skills#:~:text=Gen%20Z%20will%20need%20to,different%20 careers%20in%20their%20lifetime. Here’s very good news. According to social researcher Claire Madden, it’s estimated 40% of our jobs will be threatened technology in the next 10-15 years. The fields that are stable are those that require: ● High levels of creativity and problem solving ● High levels of social interaction and EQ ● High levels of dexterity Robots and computers cannot yet cut hair, apply make-up, or give facials, so…the cosmetology specialists are safe! Alberto notes that he has seen in uptick in willingness to learn in recent years. “Gen Z seems to be hungry for knowledge. They want me to watch them and give them pointers. They want to watch and learn from each other. They find classes on specific techniques they want to learn.” And while they are happy with YouTube tutorials, as we learned above, they are also willing and wanting to learn from others. According to LinkedIn’s 2021 Workplace report, Gen-Z is highly motivated to advance in their careers, with 76% seeing learning as the key. The study found that 83% of Gen-Zers want to learn skills to perform better in their
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