The events industry might be able to attract young talent with its perception of being glamorous and the prospect of global travel, but businesses and managers need to do more for future generations in the workplace.
This was the opinion given by Black Book’s Account Director, Becky Davison, on the latest season of the Flock Together podcast.
When asked what her letter to the industry would be she said: “It’s very easy to attract young talent into the industry, but we need to focus on nurturing that talent. Because if we don’t support them then we’re not going to be able to keep them.”
Becky goes on to say in order for Gen Z and the following generations to succeed, within event agencies “there needs to be a robust training plan and inductions. They need a mentor. The industry is so intense that they need that support in order to nurture them and grow them throughout the industry.
“Not everyone works well being thrown in at the deep end.”
Part of the problem is that modern managers (Millennials) had a very different experience of work to the younger generation. And while all generations have their differences, this is particularly noticeable with Gen Z because they entered the workforce during/after a global pandemic. An event that dramatically changed workplaces worldwide.
Becky says: “As a millennial myself, it’s on us to understand that Gen Z work and learn differently. And that’s not a bad thing. We can learn as much from them as they can from us.”
She also says that the industry needs to be more transparent about how hard it is working in events, and not just promoting the best bits. “It’s about managing their expectations as it’s a very glamorous industry on the surface.”
We at Black Book have a multi-generational team and believe that not just workplaces but events and incentives should consider the wants and needs of every age-group and demographic. And so, we try our very best to work with our clients to ensure all attendees are engaged and looked after.
If you’d like to discuss how your events can appeal to every generation then get in touch.