Why Mentorship Looks Different in 2023

Even as remote and hybrid work maintains its hold on the modern workforce, there is an often-overlooked group of workers that have yet to build the skills that are traditionally learned through in-person or highly communicative offices. The younger generations of workers don’t have the decades of experience that veteran workers take for granted.

These new-age workers, having had the start of their professional careers interrupted by the pandemic, have little ability to make the same professional connections as previous generations. While younger workers have likely grown up with a digital mindset, they’re feeling lonelier than ever following the effects of the pandemic.

In a modern remote or hybrid workplace, there is a way to both maintain the style of work that workers enjoy while also providing younger staff with the interaction they need.

Implementing an Effective Mentorship Program for Gen Z in 2023

In traditional work environments, a junior employee would see their manager (or equivalent role) as a mentor that trains them and helps them along the way in their position. However, the classic mentorship structure doesn’t quite work with Gen Z.

The younger generations in the workforce seek mentorship in less structured, more casual atmospheres. Gen Z famously suffers from imposter syndrome, anxiety, the list goes on – they are much more averse to asking direct managers for advice in fear of looking incapable of doing their job. It is, however, still important to provide them with opportunities to learn from another member of the team.

Mentorship should come from someone who isn’t a direct manager, but rather a friend in the office that can offer guidance. Having a friendly relationship with a mentor can provide Gen Z the comfort they need to seek assistance and become better employees.

Whether a mentor is a senior member of your company, or in another department altogether, it does not affect their ability to help Gen Z workers. As long as there is someone who can help these workers get the answers they need, offer guidance, and provide a safe line of communication, the mentor relationship is working.

‍