What's stopping you from mobilising the workforce of the future - now?

We are all well aware that one of the biggest challenges we face in the modern world is that our problems outpace solutions. We have huge demands for roles that require specific skills yet there is a shortage of 'suitable candidates'.

Will there ever be a time where we have the number of solutions outweighing our problems? Probably not. But can we get to a place where our problems run at tandem with solutions? Yes! How? By unleashing the bountiful open and creative minds of our youth, those aged 15-24. That's untapping a pool of 7.81million people* in the UK alone!

Seek the opinions of teenagers to answer some of our society's greatest challenges? Are they able to contribute anything? Do they really have views and opinions that could be of value? Surely they don't want to, do they? Yes, yes, yes and yes to any other doubtful question you may have.

Here's five examples of what youth bring to the table and how valuable that could be for you and society, now.

1. They want to make a difference

Collectively, young people are sharper than we give them credit for when it comes to society's issues. They view the world with a fresh pair of eyes. Their innocence should not be regarded as ignorance. They actually have an acute sense for moral values. They strive to right wrong doings and in their minds, nothing is impossible.

They are so keen to be involved and be part of something, they value their contribution deeply and would work harder to find sustainable long-term solutions; especially if it was their generation that was reaping the benefits.

2. They are creative

"The world is your oyster", "believe in yourself", "you can change the world"...these are just a few quotes we bring our children up believing. Yet why do we fail to give them the opportunity to apply this in 'the real world'?

The youth have the natural ability to imagine with no boundaries or constraints. They are not weighed down by our deep-rooted social norms so they have the freedom to explore ideas, unearth hidden assumptions and delve into opportunities we would have never thought off.

3. They have an important perspective

Young people are exposed to a world we have not experienced in a way they have. They are exposed to things that have shaped their minds, views and lives differently to what we experienced at their age. They come to the table with a different perspective and viewpoint that could help us reimagine the problem and tackle it from a different lens. All of the above makes their perspective critical.

4. They are natural design thinkers

Design thinking is a human centred approach to problem solving. Young people have a natural gift of thinking things through simply and arguably seeing things for what they really are.

They observe empathy, how people interact, the impact this has on environments and can take a hands-on approach when designing solutions. They can help us unlock new dimensions to problem solving and spark opportunities for innovation throughout the process.

5. They are bold

Tarnished by the notion of being 'daydreamers', let's see it for what it really is...They are big, bold and fearless dreamers!

Why don't we capture that energy and manifest that into building real life solutions that have a lasting impact? Let their enthusiasm and courage ooze through your teams to build confidence - together. Being bold and thinking big instigates growth, progress and instils a positive mindset - why wouldn't you want to foster this culture?

Play your part in nurturing the next generation of change agents and future leaders.

Everyone gets a buzz when they contribute ideas and energy to addressing real problems. Young people are no different. What is different is the age at which we expose them to that sense of achievement and accomplishment. That is what is powerful. That is what changes and shapes the mindset of our workforce of the future.

This is when they start to see themselves as capable leaders who can make important and impactful contributions to businesses, citizens and communities alike. We have the ability to help those who might otherwise feel academically or socially inferior to peers recognise and realise their individual strengths, and help them put into perspective the part they play in building a better world.

Engaging with them now will inspire lifelong changemakers. This type of empowerment has a lasting effect which will influence and shape their adult lives. Providing ongoing motivation to build sustainable solutions for communities; and will help them remain ambitious by pursuing goals with confidence.

By giving our young people a seat at the decision-making table, not only are we leading by example but we are paving the way for a better world which encourages bold thinking, fosters collaboration and is most importantly inclusive of all perspectives in all of its diverse forms.

So, let me ask you the question again. What's stopping you from mobilising the workforce of the future - now?

If you found this article interesting, take a look at one of my previous articles 'Bridging the gap between the leaders of today with the leaders of tomorrow' where I share a few long term ideas on how we can help create, build and nurture our youth through education to set our workforce of the future up for success.

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Source: Population of the United Kingdom in 2019, by age group