YOUR LEVY AT WORK
FIVE SECRETS OF THE NEW GEN Z WORKFORCE Words by Emma Boase : Career Progression Manager, HortNZ
The February issues of The Orchardist and NZGrower carry several stories about young people making careers in horticulture. These stories have been written in the context of industry-wide labour shortages that have been exacerbated by Covid-19 and border closures. I say exacerbated because our industry has been challenged by labour and skill shortages for many years. In my new role as career progression manager, I was asked to reflect on what our industry needs to do to attract more young people, as well as the benefits of having young people in horticulture.
These are the five points to consider when thinking about ‘Gen Z’ joining the workforce 1 Young New Zealanders are not hesitant to work in horticulture. The awesome result that Summerfruit NZ had before Christmas attracting students for picking is proof of this. However, we need to realise that the word ‘horticulture’ is jargon to most people. It is perhaps more effective to share a story around sustainable food production, regional economies, people and teams, and nutrition for the world. 2 The new workforce is Gen Z or ‘Zoomers’ – pragmatic, tech natives, seeking authenticity. The workplace for Gen Z is a place of connection, where they get paid but also where they find value in non-monetary terms. Gen Z want to find meaningful work – horticulture can most definitely provide this.
3 True diversity and inclusion – not just of gender or race, but of experience and perspective – is key to Gen Z. Organisations who take this on will win. Not only will they attract the best talent, but their decision making will be supported by increased breadth and depth of knowledge, allowing for a more resilient, adaptive, and connected operation. 4 Our Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials all have plenty to offer younger people coming through. Actively offering mentorship, sharing opportunity, and pulling others up behind you is essential to capability development. You have walked the pathway our young people are still trying to find. The value of sharing that will never be replaced by a flyer or YouTube video. Mentorship is a two-way street: mentors gain fresh perspective, energy and enthusiasm for innovation, and the opportunity to identify and resolve issues that they wouldn’t otherwise see. Who are you giving a hand up to in 2021? 5 New Zealand is already a world leader in healthy food production. Our skills, technologies and systems are increasingly exportable, and are advertised by our superb produce. When we compete for value on the global stage, we need to have the best skills, knowledge and entrepreneurial ability. The pace of change is increasing and the measure of success will be who can keep up.
BED FORMERS
ROTARY HOES
POWER HARROWS
STONE BURIERS
0800 327 642 sales@farmgard.co.nz www.farmgard.co.nz NZGROWER : FEBRUARY 2021
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