Today's youth: burden or luxury?

“The youth of today...” It sounds like a sigh, an echo from the coffee room. But what if we turn that phrase into a compliment? Because let's be honest: today's youth are no worse, they're just different. That's exactly what our industry needs.

Generation Z — meaning seekers with a digital soul

We spoke to Emma (22) in a hotel in Utrecht. She said: “I don't just want to wait tables, I want to understand why we do things the way we do.” That's Gen Z in a nutshell: born between 1997 and 2012, raised with smartphones and social media, but above all with a desire for meaning.

What works for Gen Z:

• Meaning over salary. Share what you stand for: your mission, your impact.

• Flexibility as a basis. Less rigid schedules and hierarchy; more participation and freedom.

• Coaching over control. Not commanding, but guiding. Facilitating growth instead of ticking boxes.

Generation Alpha — the future is already knocking

After Gen Z comes Generation Alpha (born from 2013 onwards). Even more digital, more visual, faster. They swipe before they can write. Don't wait until they apply for jobs, prepare now.

How to anticipate Alpha:

• Technology as a teacher. Gamified training courses, short video instructions, microlearning.

• Inclusion as the norm. Let your team reflect the world they take for granted.

• Creativity as a strength. Involve them in the experience, design and storytelling.

Hospitality as a learning environment

Our sector is a breeding ground for cooperation, responsibility and hospitality. But then we must dare to let go.

• From rules to values. Explain the why; this creates intrinsic motivation.

• From control to trust. Give responsibility, accept mistakes as learning opportunities.

• From criticism to coaching. Give compliments consciously; hold genuine development discussions.

You are the example.

Manager, mentor, colleague; your attitude shapes the culture. Show what hospitality means: not a gimmick, but a basic attitude. Share your passion, your stories, your successes and your mistakes. Authenticity is contagious.

Connecting generations

The magic happens when generations reinforce each other. Combine the experience of older employees with the fresh perspective of young people. Organise intergenerational sessions, set up tandem teams, and build two-way mentoring. This creates a culture of respect, growth, and warm hospitality.

Bottom line: today's youth are not a problem, but an opportunity. An opportunity for innovation, energy and a contemporary form of hospitality. Let's work together to build a hotel world in which every generation feels welcome, both as guests and as employees..

Jeannine Sok is the owner of Gastologie. Through this hospitality philosophy and training method she developed, she helps people optimise their hospitality. Sven Heijkoop is a hospitality entrepreneur, maître d', sommelier and ambulant footman to the Royal Family. In July 2024, he opened a bistro in the centre of Den Bosch.