The Hiring Site, July 22, 2011
Gen Y are also known as Millennials. They were born between 1980 and 2000. To date, 1 in 5 Millennials are college graduates, and an additional 26% are enrolled in school and plan to graduate from college.
Instead of embracing negativity about Gen Y, it is important we understand their characteristics, strengths, values, and how we can best work with them.
Aaron Kesher, with deepSEE Consulting offers the following advice:
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You do not need to change who you are-but work on your approach when working with Gen Y
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Understand them: Ask questions and educate yourself (there are free resources on-line). Respect is mutual.
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Give them opportunities: Understand what Gen Y enjoys doing (examples include technology, corporate, social responsibility, flexibility with work hours) and assign them to tasks that excite & challenge them.
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Allow them to fail: Gen Y’s are accustomed to frequent instructions and feedback. Set clear expectations, provide support, but allow them to learn from their mistakes. All generations make mistakes-why should we treat Gen Y unfairly? Help guide them.
To read more about how to recruit and retain Gen Y, Click Here.