Hiring Gen Z professionals? Eight ways to bring out the best in themselves

Of the many tasks of a leader, perhaps one of the most important is to bring out the best in their team members. Understanding their needs, strengths and weaknesses and giving them opportunities to shine can help you set them up to succeed in whatever endeavors they take on. This is especially true when Gen Z professionals enter the workforce with their own unique perspectives and challenges to overcome.

To really bring out their best, leaders can focus on a few key tips recommended by Young Entrepreneur Council members. Here they share their tips for helping this generation shine, and how it will benefit your entire business as well.

1. Be transparent and empathetic

Gen Z is a diverse and passionate generation that finds value in many areas, especially when it comes to their careers. They appreciate having an impact and being able to grow while learning to navigate life. Bringing out the best in this generation means being a transparent and empathetic leader. They want actions, not just words, and you can easily lose their trust if these two don't align. - Julian Hamood, Trusted Technical Team

2. Let them experience all aspects of the business

You need to give them experience or exposure to the business as a whole. We “raise” business consultants, and this has historically been reserved for more seasoned professionals. We offer them accelerated training on the entire customer journey. It helps them understand how businesses work better and also opens their eyes to potential alternative paths without them having to test those jobs. - Marjorie Adams, Fourlane

3. Offer flexibility

The one thing the Gen Z workforce wants more than anything is flexibility. So if you haven't gone remote yet, I suggest you give it some thought. Now, it's completely understandable that the remote work culture isn't for everyone. Even if you represent an on-site work environment, consider flexible working hours. The freedom to work anywhere and anytime leads to unparalleled productivity. - Jared Atchison, WPForms

4. Give them ownership and responsibility

It's essential to give Gen Z employees a sense of belonging and responsibility. This means assigning them tasks specific to their skills and letting them take the lead on projects. By doing this, you can help them feel part of the team and that their work is valuable. Additionally, it's important to provide regular feedback so they can understand their progress and know where they need to improve. - Blair Williams