Presenter:
Session Description:
In this engaging 60-minute workshop, Dr. Chrissy Galli leverages over 10 years of higher education experience—as a faculty member and student affairs professional—to equip supervisors with practical tools for effectively managing Generation Z. The session addresses Gen Z both as student employees (in campus roles, work-study, and student affairs positions) and as early-career professionals entering the workforce.
Participants will explore current literature on Gen Z traits: digitally-savvy individuals who value work-life balance, mental health support, authentic and empathetic leadership, frequent constructive feedback, purpose-aligned work, transparency, and skill development. The workshop highlights Gen Z’s strengths—adaptability, tech proficiency, authenticity, and innovation—while addressing common supervisory challenges, such as perceived gaps in soft skills, preference for flexibility, and expectations for meaningful growth.
Dr. Galli will present evidence-based insights from her 2025 PhD in Human Capital Development, focusing on how experiential learning shapes Gen Z behaviors and workplace readiness. Attendees will gain actionable best practices tailored to two key phases:
1) Managing Gen Z as student employees: Implementing structured roles, clear expectations (e.g., syllabus-style guidelines), regular check-ins, mentorship that builds confidence, and well-being supports to balance academics and work responsibilities.
2) Managing Gen Z as early-career employees: Fostering transparent communication, ongoing feedback and coaching, opportunities for reverse mentoring, alignment with personal values, flexible arrangements, and intentional team-building to enhance engagement and retention.
This workshop aligns directly with the conference theme, Explore Your Potential, Empower Our Future, by helping supervisors unlock Gen Z’s full potential through empathetic, evidence-based management. By adopting these strategies into practice, leaders will empower today’s student employees and tomorrow’s professionals—building resilient, inclusive teams that drive innovation, collaboration, and long-term success across higher education and the broader workforce.
Learning Outcomes:
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Describe key characteristics and preferences of Generation Z in the workplace.
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Identify and differentiate effective supervisory strategies for managing Gen Z employees in two distinct contexts.
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Apply at least one evidence-based, actionable practice in their management strategy.