Episode: 677

Episode Title: Letting Young People Mentor

Mentoring is a give-and-take relationship. So let’s let younger workers give back in their areas of expertise. More on that, next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 677 show:

Welcome to The Perna Syndicate today! If you keep tabs on workforce trends at all, you’ve probably noticed that younger employees in particular are seeking more from their employers. 

Last week on the show, I covered the top five things Gen Z workers are looking for: more learning and development options, mental health support, financial wellness training, human connection, and purpose beyond the paycheck. 

The good news is that all of these things can be fostered through meaningful mentoring relationships at work. Other benefits include a positive impact on mental health and well-being, increased emotional intelligence and self-awareness, improved leadership skills, and personal and professional development. 

Of course, mentoring benefits both the mentee and the mentor. Reverse mentoring basically turns young people into experts, allowing them to operate as leaders and teachers in their areas of expertise. Often they’re well versed in the latest tech and workplace trends, and their coworkers can benefit from that knowledge.

The truth is, young people want to give back as well as learn from others. A smart mentoring program will leave plenty of space for their contribution—helping to create a sense of value and belonging. 

Letting young people be mentors, as well as be mentored, is crucial for mentoring to take off in your organization.

Next time on The Perna Syndicate: how do you find a mentor? Is it okay to be mentored if you’re not technically a younger worker? We’ll talk about that and more tomorrow…see you then!