MightyRecruiterThere’s a lot of buzz surrounding Generation Y, also known as the Millennial generation, and not all of that talk is good. Some people don’t like the tattoos they see. They think Gen Y workers slack off and lack etiquette skills. However, in many cases, the differences come down to matter of perspective. Gen Y folks work hard. They’re driven and innovative, and love technology. Here’s why hiring Gen Y employees is good business.
Loyalty and Innovation Are Your Rewards
What business does not want loyalty and innovation in its employees? The good news is that hiring Gen Y workers delivers on both counts and on so many more counts. The secret is in knowing how to approach and manage Gen Y folks. You must know what motivates them, what makes them tick. Whereas other generations may have been more motivated by the promise of a huge paycheck, even at the expense of work-life balance, Gen Y employees value work-life balance, wholeness, professional development and giving back to the community.
They Know Technology
Gen Y workers practically live and breathe technology. They grew up in a world where they needed only to type in a phrase online to find out a wealth of information on the topic. No going to libraries and spending hours doing painstaking research. They use technology in all aspects of their lives, and this knowledge is invaluable for any business.
They Are Your Customers
At least some of your customers must belong to Gen Y. It only makes sense to have employees who can connect with these customers and who know their needs and desires.
Outcomes Matter
Gen Y workers like results, and they don’t like waiting too long to see these results. They are outcome-driven, which is gold for any business. Hiring Gen Y workers means hiring employees who are invested in progress and in being part of a team and solution.
They Are Ambitious
Sometimes it seems as if Gen Y workers talk big. They can’t possibly deliver. Or can they? Give them the chance, and they just might. Gen Y folks love to challenge themselves. They love knowing they are doing something to change the world. Let them stretch their skills on both short-term and long-term projects alike, and nourish their professional development. Stick them in a wasteland with no creativity and independence, and you will have problems.
Tips for Hiring Gen Y Employees
The above reasons to hire Gen Y employees are great, but what do you do once you’ve hired them? How do you ensure they are all they can be? – Start with the First Day: Finished with one round of hiring Gen Y employees? Make them feel special on their first day. Present them with a box of new business cards, for example. (This idea is good practice for all employees, actually.) – Pair Them with a Mentor: It’s a fact that Gen Y employees are starting work later in life than previous generations did. Through their undergraduate and graduate programs, they have gained a lot of academic knowledge but not so much practical, hands-on work training. Pair them with a mentor, starting on their first day of work. The mentor should be someone capable of demonstrating the skills needed and in bridging any skills gaps. – Give Clear Explanations: A ïbusiness casualï dress code might have a different meaning to you than it does to a Gen Y employee. Outline what you mean because terms are so subjective. – Provide Regular Feedback: Gen Y workers are not accustomed to waiting long. For example, whereas Baby Boomers could go years without promotions, Gen Y folks are restless. Check in with your Gen Y workers briefly at least once a month to tell them how they are doing and what they might need to improve on. Create interim job titles that provide them with motivation and a tangible sense of progress. – Work-Life Balance: Gone are the days when employees were asked to stay hours later with no complaint. And that’s a good thing. A healthy work-life balance promotes physical fitness, community involvement and family time, to name a few benefits. Build flexibility into your workplace culture, if you have not already. Investigate telecommuting options, for example, or a vacation policy in which workers can take as much time as they want as long as they satisfactorily complete their duties. Are you looking to bring Gen Y workers on board? They’re some of the most devoted and hard-working employees you’ll ever have. You just need to know what makes them tick. As you look to make all-star hires, turn to the tools here at Mighty Recruiter to aid in your quest.