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April 12, 2025
Hiring Gen Z Staff: What Motivates Them and What Drives Them Away
You can’t run a bar or club without a solid team—and these days, your team is likely Gen Z. They’re not a “problem generation.” They’re smart, quick, and values-driven. But they won’t put up with the old-school “suck it up” culture that ruled back in the day. If you don’t understand what they care about, you’ll be constantly hiring—and constantly losing. That turnover costs time, money, and momentum. The good news? When you get it right, Gen Z will show up, hustle hard, and become the backbone of your venue. Here's how to bring them in—and keep them.
Gen Z = roughly ages 18 to late 20s—today’s bar and nightclub workforce
What Motivates Gen Z
1. Flexibility
This generation isn’t living to work—they’re working to live. They value shift flexibility more than almost anything. Make scheduling easier for them, and they’ll return the favour with consistency and loyalty.
2. Respect and Transparency
They won’t stick around for vague expectations and condescending attitudes. They want clarity and to feel respected. Straight talk, two-way feedback, and basic human decency go a long way.
3. Purpose and Culture
If your venue stands for something, say it out loud. Gen Z wants to be part of something with meaning—even if it’s just creating a vibe where everyone feels welcome and safe. They want to be proud of where they work.
4. Development and Growth
Even if they’re not lifers, Gen Z still wants to grow. Give them a path—whether it’s bar leadership, social media roles, event management, or creative input—and they’ll lean in.
What Drives Them Away
1. Toxic Environments
Gen Z walks at the first sign of BS. Drama, unsafe situations, harassment—it’s a deal-breaker. If your venue culture turns a blind eye, expect to lose your best people quickly.
2. Micromanagement
This crew wants guidance, not someone breathing down their neck. Give them structure, trust them to deliver, and they’ll surprise you.
3. Lack of Communication
Ghosting them on scheduling or failing to explain policies builds frustration fast. They grew up online—they expect fast, clear, two-way communication.
4. No Appreciation
A simple thank-you or “nice pull on that busy night” still matters. Recognition doesn’t need to be over the top—it just needs to happen.
Final Word
If you're still trying to run your team the way you did 10 years ago, you're going to keep losing staff. Gen Z isn’t the problem—they’re the reality. And when you build the right environment, they don’t just survive the hustle—they thrive in it.
Adapt or burn out. Build culture or bleed talent. Gen Z isn’t asking for much—they’re asking for better. And if you deliver, they’ll help your venue grow stronger than ever.
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