Key Trends for Mentoring Programs in 2024
Mentoring programs need to keep evolving as times change. With the advancement in technology as well as multi-generational and multi-ethnic workforce, mentoring programs need to step up and embrace new trends to be relevant and engaging
Here is a list of key trends for mentoring programs in 2024.
Virtual Mentoring
As remote and hybrid work continues to become increasingly common, mentoring programs will need to follow suit and accommodate this change. Traditionally, mentors and mentees belonged to the same office location so as to enable frequent in-person meetings. However, with mentors and mentees both now working remotely, virtual mentoring is gaining traction. Mentoring program managers should plan curriculums and touchpoints for effective virtual interactions between mentors and mentees. Virtual mentoring also provides the flexibility to map mentors and mentees across different locations and across the world in a global company. It helps employees get global exposure and networking opportunities beyond their local region.
Diversity Mentoring and ERG Mentoring
Mentoring programs should incorporate the various facets of diversity in the workforce for a nuanced mentoring experience for participants. In diversity mentoring programs, mentors and mentees belong to different backgrounds and come together to break down biases and barriers while simultaneously supporting career development goals. ERG mentoring programs are those that are within an ERG, among ERGs or can be external. In intra-ERG mentoring, mentors and mentees belong to the same ERG and there is more understanding and acknowledgement of the invisible challenges faced by both participants. Inter-ERG or external mentoring is one more way of combining the power of ERGs and mentoring. In this case, members belonging to one ERG mentor members of another ERG to increase awareness of the challenges faced by the ERG community. Such mentoring programs promote inclusion at the workplace and create a positive work environment.
Mentoring Structures for Gen Z
With Gen Z set to surpass baby boomers in the workforce in 2024, it is important to acknowledge their workplace behavior and expectations. With declining attention spans, mentoring program content and structure needs to be revisited and reworked. Flash mentorship programs are designed for mentees to connect with mentors for a short time to discuss a specific topic. They are one-time pointed interactions aimed for quick knowledge sharing and work well for a Gen Z audience. Bite-sized and flexible learning modules will also work well for this generation. Gen Z can also be invited to participate in reverse mentorship programs designed to match seniors leaders as mentees to junior, often younger employees to discover new trends in technology and culture.
Advanced Mentoring Technology
Mapping mentors and mentees is no longer a unidimensional process. Multiple attributes such as ERG data, personality types, gender etc. provide nuanced mapping which is not possible manually. Mentoring software solutions allow for automatic mapping of mentors and mentees using complex and intelligent matching algorithms. Organizations should invest in such advanced mentoring software solutions to stay beyond the curve. Touchpoint meetings are scheduled automatically, taking away the burden of coordination and follow-up off the shoulders of the program managers. Technology solutions also ensure seamless scalability of the program in number of participants as well as number of locations. With a high level of customization possible, mentoring programs can be designed as per the unique needs of every organization.
These are a few of the trends for mentorship programs in 2024 and putting them into practice at your organization will help you to be future-ready.