In today’s episode, I’m joined by Emily Van Straten, host of Your Gen Z Coworker and founder of Think HR. We dig into the generational shift happening in the workforce and how small business owners can better understand, support, and retain Gen Z team members. From honest conversations to evolving leadership styles, Emily brings a fresh perspective that’ll leave you rethinking how you hire and lead.

Key topics covered:

• Emily’s “career bachelorette” journey and how trying 14 jobs led her to launch her HR consulting biz.
• What Gen Z is really looking for in a job—and why it’s not just about perks or pay.
• How “stay interviews” (not just exit interviews!) can massively improve retention.
• Why business owners should stop expecting employees to care as much as they do—and what to do instead.
• Practical tips for interviewing, onboarding, and creating impact—even if a team member only sticks around for a year or two.

If you’ve ever scratched your head wondering how to keep younger employees engaged, this one’s for you. Let’s stop making it “us vs. them” and start building better workplaces—together.

Connect with Emily:

• Website: www.thinkhr.ca
• Instagram: @em.thinkhr

Staci's Links:
Instagram. Website.