The Next Generation of salon stylists: How to Help Gen Z stylists thrive in your salon
Let’s talk about Kathy, she was born in 2004, about the same year the first video was uploaded on YouTube, which (Along with 2 billion others) makes her part of Generation Z hair stylist. Apart from being the biggest consumer (your salon clients), Kathy’s generation will soon make up around 27% of the workforce.
Being a hairstylist means someone like Kathy, is not looking for a typical University career, rather she is attracted to become an apprentice and pursue a career in a creative business to become a hairstylist.
So what do Kathy and her other Gen Z people look to achieve and how you can help them thrive in your salon?
Here are some valuable insights.
- Keep the salon doors open
Many of Generation Zero started work in the middle of the remote working period. As a hair stylist though working remotely was challenging if not impossible. According to the survey, 72% of the UK Gen Zero want to go to work 5 times a week. Having the ability to go to the salon and work face-to-face is more important than the assumption about Gen Zers can be.
It’s a lot easier to train and give your stylists an opportunity to ask questions when they work 5 times a week, rather than 3 times a week.
2. But, embrace flexibility in your salon business
Wanting to go to work does not mean flexibility is not important. A good life/work balance is really important for Kathy’s generation. It is an unhelpful stereotype to think that Gen Z does not want to work as much. Many want to work and learn on the job. But gone are the days when working yourself to the point of burnout and having a bad back can be acceptable.
That’s why it is even more essential to keep communication open with your stylists. Ask open questions about their expectations from the job and then work around it to make sure your stylists are getting what they want and need, that way your salon business will also thrive as happier employees are more productive and energetic to give their best.
3. Diversity and having a genuine cause are important
It is not a secret that Gen Z wants to feel they are making a difference and work for a business that cares about certain values. This can mean anything, from recycling to using hair products that are good for the environment as well as ensuring the workplace in the salon is diverse and inclusive.
4. The next generation of hairdressers
There is still plenty to learn about the hair craft and the beauty business, but businesses like your salon can gain a lot from Gen Z too. Not only this generation has a growing influence but they can also offer a unique perspective on how younger people interact with businesses and industry in general. That can be a valuable tool and insight that any generation can benefit from.
Are you working with Generation Z? Do you want to understand how to hire, train and communicate with the young ones so that you can create a healthier environment in your salon where everyone thrives?
Read a chapter on recruitment, hiring, and how to speak to your staff in Salon Extreme 21. And get a FREE bonus mini-masterclass on How to Build a Salon Team of a New Generation of Hairdressers.
Tamara Forrest-Smith
Salon Punk
