Born between 1982 and 2000, the famous Millenials joined the labour market with ambitions and attitudes problematic for current business culture. How do you adapt to this new generation?
Perpetual feedback
To mobilize members of generation Y, you need to make them feel that their work changes things, explains Julie Bouchard, certified human resources professional and human resources management consultant. She gives training on this controversial generation and affirms, “They aren’t there for money but to contribute to something bigger than themselves,” Her advice? “Acknowledge their contributions by expressing it in the form of continuous feedback. A yearly review isn’t enough.”
Constant encouragement
If they are not constantly encouraged, Millenials quickly turn to twiddling their thumbs. Likewise, for if they spend too much time on only one or the same project. Starved by boredom, they leave in search of new jobs within the organization, lose their need for a promotion and start gnashing their teeth in frustration. Bouchard suggests, “Avoid this scenario by giving them new challenges. Why not rotate the various company mandates? Or offer them a committee seat?”
Technological adjustments
The Generation Ys are terrified of wasting their time. They are completely connected (they grew up with computer tools), easily exasperated by meetings, endlessly communicate through email, and consider most work tools outdated. Nevertheless, without completely letting these “ancient” ways sink into oblivion, organizations must get on board with change. In his book La cohabitation des générations [Generations living together] (Les éditions La Presse, 2012), Josée Garceau recommends including Generations Ys in this process.
Flexibility required
Overtime? Millennials are up for it—on the condition that they can adjust their hours. Otherwise, their projects, friends, and family will pay the price, a scenario that they want avoid at all costs. Bouchard states, “Organizations today should demonstrate flexibility and break up hours according to their needs.”
Establish a mentorship program
Millennials may seem self-righteous, but this generation has learning and teamwork at their core, something they have been used to since school. The expert concludes, “They love expanding their skill set and perfecting the ones they already possess. Couple them with an experienced colleague or register them for continuing education online is a winning strategy.”