How to recruit and retain talent – from Baby boomers to Gen Z
After our popular conference in January (2025), we asked our keynote speakers to send us some ‘takeaway’ hints and tips to create blogs that would benefit our garden centre members.
We launched our series recently with creator and author of ‘Celebrity Service’ and ‘Celebrity Service Superstars’ Geoff Ramm.
Inter-Generational
Now, we’re offering some sage advice from Inter-Generational Diversity Expert
Henry Rose Lee who presented to our members on Monday, January 27, on the topic of ‘Generational Diversity & Inclusion – Working with Future Generations’.
Henry is one of a very few inter-generational diversity experts helping organisations to improve the contribution and profitable performance of the youngest talent in our workplace today.
Myth busting
The author of three books, Henry busts myths and gives practical hacks for attracting, recruiting, engaging and retaining employees.
Any garden centre today may have up to five generations on the payroll: from The Silent Generation through to the Baby Boomers, then Generation X to Millennials and Gen Z.
Inspiring all ages
Henry focuses on ensuring diversity and inclusion across all employee age-groups by enhancing communications, increasing collaboration and inspiring employees of all ages to give their best.
Five top tips
Here are her five bullet points for garden centres to draw guidance from as they seek to recruit and retain team members this year and beyond:
- Polish your shoes, and brag better on your website, on Instagram and on Facebook, about how your people make the difference. Use videos, photos, stories, and blogs.
- Use relevant and appropriate language which fits the generation you want to attract. Chat GPT can help you reword you job adverts, and targeted campaigns.
- Recognise that older workers such as Baby Boomers, are motivated by structure, stability, and strategy, and can be used as troubleshooters and problem-solvers at work.
- Recognise that your youngest workers, such as Generation Z, are motivated by innovation and novelty, and can be encouraged to come up with new ideas and projects at work.
- Organise open days for the over 60s and under 30s where people can come and see what it’s like to work at a garden centre, then put the results into videos and feature them on your website.
Who is Henry?
Henry’s expertise comes from 15 years working in business development and sales, where performance and results were essential. This was followed by 17 years as a Human Resource qualified consultant and Master Coach, researching and developing diagnostic tools on human motivation and generational attitudes and behaviours at work.
This included a two-year stint at Pinewood Studios developing her talents as a voice over artist, and as a communications and learning specialist for business TV and online learning.