Why businesses NEED young people NOW!

Today, I want to share some of my thoughts on a topic incredible close to my heart, and to the heart of our work at Solutions for the Planet, which is youth engagement. I believe that youth engagement is essential for every business. Let me explain why...

We are in possibly the most turbulent period of history for the human race, where the future of the planet as we know it is being decided by the actions we take now. The way we do things, the way we have always done things in living memory, is going to have to change significantly over the next decade in order to preserve the world we live in. We cannot rely on the older generation to figure out how to enforce this enormous shift. The value of experience is incredibly important when looking forward, but the value of fresh, innovative and ‘out of the box’ ideas is equally important. We will only be able to achieve our goals by combining the experience of our established workforce, with the vibrancy and energy of the younger generation. They bring an electrifying mix of innovation, technological savvy, diversity, and social responsibility. In this article, I want to explore the reasons why positioning young people in the heart of our business is a complete game-changer.

1. Fresh Perspectives and Innovation:

Young people, with their unbridled creativity and fresh thinking, are like a breath of fresh air. They don't conform to traditional norms; they challenge the status quo with their out-of-the-box ideas. Engaging with them is like injecting your business with a shot of pure innovation. You're not just staying ahead; you're breaking new ground! These young minds can revolutionise your products, services, and strategies, giving you a competitive edge.

We’ve worked with Northern Gas Networks (NGN) on developing their Young Innovators Council for a four years as part of our S4TP Youth Insights Programme. Jenny Saunders, the Chair of Northern Gas Networks’ Community Engagement Group, couldn't have put it better: “The Young Innovators Council has resulted in future customers' views being considered in the design of programmes and proposals which will result in greater levels of engagement by young people. We encourage other companies to adopt a similar approach to the facilitation of this group which has clearly enabled some of the seldom heard voices to come to the fore.”

2. Technological Savvy:

Imagine having a team that's always one step ahead in the tech game. The younger generation has grown up in a world connected by screens, gadgets, and social media. They're the tech wizards who can guide your business through the digital maze. They know the latest tech trends like the back of their hand, and they can help you streamline operations, elevate customer experiences, and keep your business on the technological cutting edge.

3. Diversity and Inclusion:

Youth engagement means welcoming a beautiful mosaic of backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives into your business. This diversity is the secret sauce for creativity, collaboration, and respect. Their inclusion in decision-making is like a symphony of ideas that can transform your business culture into one that's inclusive and rich. Embracing diversity not only promotes an inclusive workplace but also enhances your reputation as a socially responsible organization.

When recruiting for any of our S4TP Youth Insights Councils, we have a strong focus on diversity and inclusion and ensure that we achieve a mixture of young people from all sorts of backgrounds that are truly representative of your customer base.

4. Succession Planning and Talent Retention:

Succession planning can be a nerve-wracking task, but not with young people’s perspectives in the mix. As seasoned employees retire, these young guns are getting ready to take the reins. By involving them early on in the design and planning of your recruitment strategies, you're nurturing the future leaders of your organisation and they themselves are telling you how to attract them.? Once engaged in the business, they gain skills, experience, and a taste of leadership, ensuring a smooth transition when the time comes. Your commitment to fostering their talent translates into loyalty and motivation, creating a dynamic workforce.?

Mark Horsley, CEO of Northern Gas Networks, puts it beautifully: "Young people are the employees, customers and business entrepreneurs of tomorrow, and it’s crucial that we give them a voice…It’s equally crucial that we listen to these voices, and our panel of 14 to 19-year-olds will be able to influence our senior leaders as we make the big decisions that will affect future generations."

5. Social Responsibility and Sustainable Business Practices:

Young people today are more conscious than ever about social responsibility and sustainability. They want to support companies that share their values and work towards a better planet. By engaging them, you're incorporating their passion for sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility into your business DNA. This not only builds your brand reputation but also attracts a socially conscious customer base, contributing to a brighter future for all.

6. Bravery, vulnerability, and honesty

Be honest, what business doesn’t need more bravery, vulnerability and honesty in it’s workforce?? Speaking from my own experience at Solutions for the Planet and our team.? We work differently and evolve, personally and professionally, continually because of the bravery, vulnerability and honesty of the young people we work with. ?They dare to challenge the status quo, they are not influenced in the same was by hierarchical structures.? If you ask them their opinion, they give it.? That is, they give it with complete honesty, IF they believe that you really care about what they have to say.

7. They are continually learning (and that rubs off)

It is SO boring to be in conversation with people who have a fixed mindset, who have decided that they know everything that they want to and lack curiosity and a desire to grow and learn.? I am a determined and committed life-long learner, curator of curiosity and no quibble questioner.? Every week we have a team reflection and share our lesson learned each week.? I am brighter, more challenging, kinder, more resilient, and continually inspired through our work with young people.?

Young people are embedded in the fabric of Solutions for the Planet, we are directed by them, advised by them, inspired by them, supported by them, encouraged by them, taught by them, challenged by them and motivated by them on a daily basis and we are a better business as a result.

So, why wait? Embrace young people’s input with open minds and watch your business soar to new heights. The Solutions for the Planet Youth Insights Programme is here to connect your business with these young visionaries, sparking a revolution of ideas. The future is bright, and it's in the hands of the youth. Are you ready to join the ride?

As always, please comment or message me with your thoughts. I love to hear them!

Yours with hope and gratitude,

Jen

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Further reading/ watching on this topic (or just call me, it's my thing):

• Team Hydrobus open IGEM London Showcase for the fifth year
• Team Red Ribbon present at Aspire International Conference 2023
• Charlotte's blog about her involvement with NGN's Young Innovators Council
• Yvana's blog about her involvement with NGN's Young Innovators Council
• Young people's reflections on their learnings from the Big Ideas Programme
• Why is the Big Ideas Programme Important?

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