TRAINING How to Embrace Generation Z
– by Tec Clark, Associate Director for Scuba Diving & Outdoor Recreation at Nova Southeastern University Tec is a diving professional with over 30 years’ experience teaching at the university level. Tec consults with dive pro- fessionals on topics related to risk management and college/university programs and host of the popular Dive Locker Podcast and League of Extraordinary Divers Podcast: tec@scubaguru.com or (954) 495-7810.
I hear it all the time, “What’s with these kids today?” Frankly that senti- ment has been around for hundreds of years, as generations grasp with the differences of the generations after them. But this is a legitimate question! And right now, that sentiment is refer- ring to a specific generation that is at
matic spenders who explore and evaluate a range of options before settling on a product or service. They watched their parents go through the Great Recession as well as the financial struggles of COVID-19. They value the stability that comes with conservative spend- ing, stable jobs and smart investments. Diversity is their norm – Gen Z are the most racially ▪ and ethnically diverse population. They had the first black president, gay marriages, and second/third mar- riages by their parents and/or many friend’s parents. They are simply less fazed than previous generations by differences in race, sexual orientation or religion. Mental health challenges – Gen Z has been labelled ▪ the “loneliest generation” as their near-constant hours spent online can foster feelings of isolation and de- pression. Living through formative years during COVID-19 set many back socially. Many Gen Z have fallen prey to the “compare and despair” trap that so-
the forefront of diving and is also entry-level working age. The generation is called Generation Z and for the last 13 years I have had the pleasure of both teaching and super- vising Generation Z individuals at Nova Southeastern Uni- versity’s Academic Diving Program. The purpose for this article is to help you understand both the quirks and quali- ties of this population as diving students, dive professionals and dive center staff. Generation Z (called Gen Z for short) is a population born between 1997-2012. That puts them between 13-28
years of age at the time of this writing. They are currently the third largest population group behind Generation Y (Millenni- als) and Baby Boomers respec- tively. Now, before I geek out on the data about this genera- tion, here is one of the most im- portant reasons why you should understand them. According to DEMA, the median age for Open Water Diver certifications
cial media presents. They have also been labeled the “most anxious generation”. Many have internalized political un- rest and surrounding issues like gun control, police brutality and climate change – all leading to increased levels of stress. I hear from many dive center owners who are frustrated by Gen Z employees. They often claim Gen Z staff don’t have a
USA Population By Age
is 26 years of age! This means Gen Z is directly in your tar- get zone for new customer acquisitions! So it’s important to know what makes them tick. Here are some characteristics of Gen Z for you to con- sider: They’re the first digital natives – Information is ex- ▪ tremely accessible to them and they are gifted at apps, AI and work-arounds to get information. Social media is their way of connecting with others and even main- taining friendships. They’re prioritizing saving money – Gen Z are prag- ▪
strong work ethic. That they may not see what there is to do on their own, or they are not proactive with work. Many express frustration with a lack of strong leadership skill sets among Gen Z. Even the sensitivities of the Gen Z em- ployee is unsettling, especially to the majority of dive center owners and managers who are the heartier breed of Gen X. My advice first starts with empathy – it’s not their fault! Younger Boomers and Gen X parents were exposed to negative information during their parental child raising years and desperately avoided injury, pain, trauma, and even chal- lenges and stressors in their children’s lives. If there was a
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