What's important to Generation Y? Spanning an age range of approximately 11-28 years old, the teens and young adults in Generation Y will make up the next wave of employees to hit the workplace. Here are some general characteristics of Gen Y that employers should be aware of: --They're motivated and goal-oriented --They overwhelmingly recognize the value of education, and they're intently focused on achieving personal goals. So strive to create a work environment that takes advantage of this high-achievement mentality by presenting employees with plenty of challenges, goals and measurable criteria by which they can be evaluated.
--They need regular reinforcement --The members of this "Nintendo Generation" are used to rates of reinforcement that are 50-100 times higher than you may be accustomed to delivering. The video games they were weaned on provide a useful model for reinforcement delivery in your business: Player expectations are clear, their behavior is continually measured, they receive constant feedback on their level of performance, and they receive high rates of reinforcement that motivate them to keep playing again and again. In short, occasional pats on the back and annual performance reviews aren't going to cut it with these workers. --They're technologically savvy
Having grown up at the center of the high-speed, high-tech revolution, technology is just a part of their lives. Your company must stay on the cutting edge to ensure that these workers have the technology tools necessary to do their jobs right. One of the surest ways to lose these employees is to expect them to perform with outdated, obsolescent computers and other technology equipment. They like to work in teams.
Unlike most Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, Generation Y workers are strong team players. Look for opportunities to put representatives from all three generations on teams together. The Boomers and Gen Xers will likely want to share their knowledge and experience while the eager younger Generation Y workers will be chomping at the bit to put the plans into action.
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