The younger generation could be the key to economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and reverse mentoring could help drive positive change.

Business leaders have reportedly noted the significant role that the younger generation will play in helping businesses survive and thrive post COVID-19. Various initiatives have been launched to help young people attain the skills they need for work, outlining the attributes business leaders believe young people offer to struggling businesses. Energy and enthusiasm rank high, aptitude for technology, and creativity are the most common and desirable qualities leaders said young people would bring to work. The majority of business leaders also said they would be interested in learning from the younger generation or those entering the world of work. The concept of ‘reverse mentoring’, when junior staff are paired with those more experienced to swap insights and add perspective on tackling business challenges is an initiative that some business leaders were keen to instigate. Mentoring can be impactful for people at all stages of their career. Reverse mentoring programmes can provide a forum for both parties to have open and honest conversations with colleagues who they wouldn’t necessarily interact with. Switching up the traditional hierarchy can bring together the different skills of each generation and can shake up preconceived notions of each other’s challenges and perspectives. Mentors can add value now, and help current leadership to tackle the challenges of today and those being mentored can in turn, ensure that the younger generations feel respected and have the confidence and skills to effectively run the businesses of tomorrow.