Over 60% of Gen-Z women aspire to drive innovation personally, and a remarkable 93% of those under 30 aim to climb up the career ladder. In today’s workplace, Gen-Z women are emerging as a formidable force to be reckoned with.
However, being a young woman in the professional world brings a unique set of challenges. It is crucial that workplaces focus on supporting and empowering Gen-Z women to maximise their potential and thrive in the world of work.
Dedicated to building up the next generation of women in business, Samantha Gilchrist, CEO and owner of the UK’s largest collection of wedding venues, The Gilchrist Collection, shares her expert tips for empowering Gen-Z women in the workplace.
Here’s how to empower Gen-Z women in the workplace: Expert insights from CEO and mentor Samantha Gilchrist
- Recognise and celebrate achievements
Celebrating successes in the workplace is key for anyone, but time and again I see young women shy away from shouting about their own achievements. It is absolutely crucial for managers and those around them to highlight their good work and celebrate them loudly.
Recognising wins publicly not only works to boost self-esteem, but it opens up opportunities for growth and promotion for Gen-Z women in the workplace.
Sharing a success story where a young staff member has excelled, for example, may attract more opportunities from other teams for them to showcase that skill.
- Role models, role models, role models
If there is one thing that will empower Gen-Z women to excel in the workplace, it is seeing women in senior roles who are doing the same.
I also believe giving women the opportunity to shadow senior members of the team is absolutely invaluable. It provides hands-on experience but also builds relationships between young women and the women in senior roles who can guide and support them. It has been a key element of helping our young wedding planners grow and flourish in their roles at the Gilchrist Collection.
- Make them decision makers
Women, especially younger women, are so often ignored when it comes to decision making. Giving Gen-Z women a seat at the decision-making table and actively seeking their input on high-level topics is critical for empowering them in their roles, and I can attest to the fact that it will provide a valuable perspective and fresh ideas.
- Embrace and emphasise wellbeing
More than ever there is a focus on wellbeing in the workplace, especially for Gen-Z who are prioritising work-life balance and personal wellbeing. Creating policies and initiatives that centre wellbeing, such as flexible working, mental health training, social activities, medical benefits, and much much more, is essential to foster positivity and motivation.
Take this opportunity to listen and embrace wellbeing, weave it into the company culture in a way that proves to people that they are being heard, respected, and valued.
- Highlight equal pay and opportunities for growth
Building equal pay and paths for advancement into the foundation of your workplace is crucial, but shouting about it is necessary too. Make sure that Gen-Z women know about the paths that exist for them and highlight the possibilities for promotion and development.
If I see potential in somebody, I don’t hesitate to offer opportunities for growth. If they don’t yet have the experience or knowledge they need, I create a path for them to learn and develop so that they can reach the levels I know they’re capable of.
Too often young women are missing out on opportunities that they are more than capable of because they aren’t the ones who are outright asking for it. Don’t leave them behind and miss out on promoting their talents just because you didn’t offer up all the possibilities.
- Diversity and inclusivity is not just a tick box exercise
Gen-Z is considered the most diverse generation yet, and inclusivity is becoming a core value among them. Once a year mentions of diversity with no accountability in between just won’t cut it.
Minority groups across the Gen-Z workforce, including women, are calling for a genuine shift in attitudes when it comes to inclusivity. This means encouraging accountability, being mindful of language, providing opportunities to learn, and listening.
A workplace that celebrates diversity and prioritises inclusivity empowers those that may otherwise feel left behind.
- Open communication is key
Transparency from the top down will equip young women with the knowledge they need to feel confident in their roles and their decisions. But open communication is a two-way street.
Opening the floor for young women to voice their opinions, concerns, and ideas will create an environment where they feel heard and respected, and will provide opportunities for understanding their perspective and recognizing their ideas.
“The challenges that come with being a woman in the workplace are especially prevalent for the younger generation who are just starting out in their professional careers. Working as a mentor for younger women across the Gilchrist Collection has highlighted to me just how crucial it is that we put in the work to foster this next generation and empower them to break the glass ceilings that so many women have faced.”
To see The Gilchrist Collection’s full list of venues and to find out more about Samantha Gilchrist please visit: https://gilchristcollection.co.uk/
