The generation raised on gizmos and
social media need very different handling to their predecessors.
Generation Y, the iPod generation,
echo boomers – however you describe them, this new wave of employees is
steadily filtering into the workplace. Born to baby boomers, many are recent
graduates and students aged around 18-30 years old and it is this generation
that will soon be at the heart of a company, leading it forward into the
future.
So how can you get the most out of
this generation?
1. Know its defining characteristics
Compared to Generation X, people in
this group are more likely to put their careers first, postponing marriage and
children. They are the social media generation who like to be connected at all
times. Socialising, both actual and virtual, is a top priority.
Instant gratification and a hunger
for immediate information mean they often resent waiting, something applicable
to both their professional and personal life. They often choose to find jobs on
a short-term basis, are keen to always remain aware of new opportunities that
will help to improve their skill set, and will happily change jobs in order to
achieve this. These factors combined mean that retention rates are likely to be
lower in this generation and that employers may find they need to work harder
to keep them.
2. Adopt a tailored approach
To motivate, engage and inspire people
it is naturally important to apply different techniques and approaches
depending on various aspects, such as age, sex, geographic location, likes and
interests.
Reward and recognition schemes
should be tailored to include the needs of Generation Y. But what is it that
will have the desired effect in terms of motivating them, and how can employers
strive to ensure they get it right?
