November 12, 2024

Tess Brigham, MFT, BCC

Topic:

Supporting Gen Z: Empathy and Engagement Strategies for Employee Assistance Professionals

Description:

This course provides Employee Assistance Professionals (EAPs) and Mental Health

Clinicians with the tools and strategies needed to better understand, engage, and support Generation Z in the workplace and beyond. Through case studies, research, and practical applications, participants will learn how to navigate the unique challenges Gen Z faces, including mental health concerns, work-life balance, and generational differences. The course

also explores solutions for improving engagement and retention while fostering a more empathetic and inclusive work environment.

Goals:

1. By the end of the course, participants will be able to engage effectively with Gen Z employees by applying strategies to address their mental health and work-life balance needs
2. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the generational differences between Gen Z and older generations, fostering improved communication and empathy in the workplace
3. Participants will be able to developand implement tools for better managing the mental health and well-being of Gen Z employees and clients, including, supporting organizational retention and engagement efforts

Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to identify three major challenges Gen Z faces in the workforce and in their lives and explain their impact on employee engagement
2. Participants will be able to analyze and compare six different approaches to managing mental health conversations in the workplace for Gen Z employees and clients
3. Participants will be able to formulate four practical strategies to foster generational empathy and understanding
4. Participants will be able to create a plan for implementing reverse mentoring programs to encourage collaboration between younger and older generations

Bio:

Tess Brigham, MFT, BCC dubbed the “Millennial Therapist” by CNBC is an expert

psychotherapist, certified coach, author and Tedx speaker. She specializes in helping young adults discover their unique life path in order to go out into the world and make an impact. Her keynote speeches and workshops include topics such as: Burnout & Stress, Understanding Generation Z, and Generational Gaps in the Workplace. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Tess has over 20 years of experience and is a regular contributor at both CNBC and Forbes.

Outline:

Introduction to GEn Z in the Wrokforce

• The unique challenges Gen Z faces (pandemic, mental health, economic concers)
• Why understand ing GEn Z is crucial for workplace success

Generational Differences

• Key differences between GEn A and older generations
• How these differences shape work expectations and communication styles

Problem1: The "American Dream" and Economic Struggles

• Rising living costs and student debt impacting Gen Z's career choices
• Case Study: Madison Z - A millennial manager working with Gen Z employees

Problem 2: Widening Generational Gaps

• Challenges with empathy and understanding between generations
• Case Study: Ally Y - A millennial manager working with Gen Z employees

Problem 3: Mental Health in the Workplace

• How Gen Z's focus on mental health creates new demands for managers
• Case Study: Jennifer X - A seasoned manager dealing with the mental health needs of her team

Solutions for Engaging Gen Z

• The CLEAR mindset: Curiosity, Leverage, Empathy, Accommodate, Recognition and Respect
• Practical steps for fostering leadership and collaboration among Gen Z employees
• Reverse mentoring programs and in-person training strategies