Supporting the next generation of talent is essential for business growth. Investing in initiatives and programs that nurture and develop emerging talent supports the future workforce.
The next generation of talent must be adaptive and innovative to keep up with changing business demands. The following suggestions can help.
Learn the importance of supporting the next generation of talent for ongoing business growth.
Importance of Supporting the Next Generation of Talent
Ongoing advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and emerging technologies create the need for employees to develop new skills. As a result, the next generation of talent must prioritize learning and adaptation to provide increasing value to organizations.
Ongoing skill development will help the next generation of talent gain the knowledge and abilities to thrive in the future. Along with technological expertise, soft skills such as communication, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving will be valuable.
Benefits of Supporting the Next Generation of Talent
Supporting the next generation of talent provides many benefits:
- Employee performance: Ongoing commitment to learning and development elevates employee engagement, productivity, and job satisfaction.
- Employee attraction and retention rates: Employees want to work long-term for organizations that support ongoing learning and development.
- Innovation: Fresh ideas and perspectives support problem-solving and adaptation to change.
- Succession planning: Supporting the next generation of talent ensures leadership continuity.
- Competitive edge: The next generation of talent can use their knowledge and skills to drive company success.
Strategies to Support the Next Generation of Talent
Consider implementing the following strategies to support the next generation of talent:
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) so employees feel valued and respected.
- Social and environmental responsibility initiatives that align with the next generation’s values.
- Competitive income and benefits to attract and retain top talent.
- Mentorship and coaching partnerships that pair the next generation of talent with experienced professionals to navigate the workplace, gather industry insight, network, and provide career guidance and support.
- Sponsorships from company leaders to advocate for the next generation of talent to advance.
- Flexibility such as remote or hybrid work arrangements and generous paid time off (PTO) to support a healthy work-life structure.
- Priorities and expectations that support the next generation’s priorities and expectations.
- Meaningful work that aligns with the next generation’s interests.
- Education systems that support future workforce needs.
- Employee resource groups (ERGs) to fill the next generation of talent’s unique needs.
- Open communication to encourage sharing, developing, and implementing ideas to benefit the organization.
- Collaboration and cross-functional projects to foster diverse perspectives, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership.
- Constructive feedback to emphasize employee strengths and areas for improvement.
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities such as workshops, conferences, and online courses to keep pace with changing business and workforce needs.
- Employee recognition and rewards for contributions and results that add value to the organization.
- Upskilling and reskilling opportunities to bridge the skills gap and help employees stay relevant.
Methods to Bridge the Skills Gap for the Next Generation
Consider using these methods to bridge the skills gap for the next generation of talent:
- Offer onsite training programs, seminars, and other learning opportunities.
- Ensure the training programs align with changing business needs.
- Encourage upskilling and reskilling to reach business goals.
- Partner with a recruitment firm to find temporary workers and direct hires with specialized skills to complete projects or fill niche roles.
Offer Internships to the Next Generation of Talent
Invite local high school students to participate in company internships. Provide opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of your organization and career opportunities.
Build relationships
Employees can build relationships with the interns and demonstrate how they serve clients. Also, the interns can challenge company norms and help resolve issues to enhance business processes.
Learn from the interns
The interns can enhance company outreach for the next generation of talent:
- Interns can create social media projects to help employees more effectively communicate with and recruit members of the next generation.
- Interns can ask insightful questions about why things are done a certain way.
- Interns can guide employees on how artificial intelligence and other technologies can disrupt the industry.
Encourage career planning
Reaching students early helps them form their career plans. Gaining internship experience encourages students to complete their degrees and work for your company.
Identify High-Potential Members of the Next Generation
Recognize members of the next generation who fit with your company’s culture and display emotional intelligence. Then, develop personalized development plans to help these employees enhance their leadership skills and potential.
For instance, offer stretch assignments and similar challenges for the next generation of talent to expand their abilities. Experimentation and calculated risk-taking support critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation.
Encourage the next generation of talent to learn from their mistakes. They can share their actions, results, and findings with other employees for increased learning and development.
Encourage Mentors and Sponsors to Support the Next Generation of Talent
Mentors and sponsors require commitment, patience, and empathy to support the next generation of talent. These tips can help:
- Use ERGs to find members of the next generation who desire mentorship and sponsorship.
- Talk with members of the next generation about their professional goals, objectives, skills, and personalities.
- Understand and help overcome the next generation of talent’s barriers to success.
- Provide access to resources, opportunities, guidance, and advocacy for the next generation of talent to advance within the organization.
- Engage in regular check-ins and constructive feedback sessions to support professional development.
Work with a Recruitment Agency
Partner with a local recruitment agency that specializes in your industry:
- The agency has access to members of the next generation who are eager to learn and provide value to employers.
- Members of the next generation are current on the latest technologies that can benefit your organization.
- You can train the next generation of talent according to your business needs.
- Hiring a member of the next generation is more cost-effective than hiring an experienced employee.
Get Help Supporting the Next Generation of Talent
Partner with Vector Technical to help your Ohio company support the next generation of talent. Reach out to learn more today.
