PHTA WAVE: Beyond the Stereotypes: What Younger Professionals Need to Stay, Grow, and Lead
Wednesday, January 27, 2027: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
CEU Credits:1.5
Speaker(s)
Description
The pool, spa, and hot tub industry needs the next generation of professionals to stay, grow, and lead. But attracting younger workers is only the first step. Owners, managers, supervisors, and team leaders also need to understand how emerging professionals think about communication, feedback, career development, workplace culture, technology, flexibility, and leadership. Presented by members of PHTA’s WAVE Young Professionals Network, this panel discussion will offer a candid but constructive look at what Millennials and Gen Z professionals wish industry leaders better understood about working with them. Panelists will address common stereotypes, share what helps them feel engaged and respected, and identify the management practices that either build loyalty or push younger talent away. The discussion will focus on practical strategies for creating stronger multigenerational teams, improving communication, developing future leaders, and retaining talent in today’s pool and spa workforce.
Tracks:
Learning Objectives
Identify common communication, feedback, and workplace culture expectations that influence how Millennial and Gen Z professionals engage with employers, managers, and coworkers.
Recognize how generational assumptions and stereotypes can create barriers to trust, retention, and team performance.
Describe practical strategies for improving onboarding, mentoring, career development, and day-to-day communication with younger professionals.