How to Manage Generation Y Workers in Your Office

According to the article “Generation Y for Dummies” on eWeek.com, there are four steps that companies and Generation X bosses can use to make working with Gen MyPod (one of many names for Generation Y) a more understanding situation while maximizing their talent.

1. Understand who this generation looks up to and how that relates to the misguided perception that they don’t want to work. "Gen Y grew up idolizing businessmen who got rich quick or at least appeared to," said Lanzalotto from the article. "There needs to be a stop to them being known as the slacker generation because it’s the fact that they have a different thought process and don’t always realize the amount of work it takes to get rich quick."
2. A notable characteristic of the Generation Y work force is that they will switch jobs over the course of their careers more than any generation before them, holding as many as 20 jobs before they retire. "The portability of retirement benefits and a lessened need to vest has contributed to this." Gen Y thinks of it as a job, not a career and it is highly unlikely for them to stay at a job for more then five years. They want new experiences and opportunities constantly. There is a high possibility that they might boomerang back to your company though. Don’t discourage it, they will still know their way around your company and the culture but have gained more experience and new outlooks from their previous job.
3. A demand for flexibility unseen in previous generations. With the technology there is today, and most likely Gen Y owning more of it then your workplace, they feel as though they should be allowed to work out of the office, with flexible time and hours. They tend to pine for more of a work-life balance then past generations. They feel as if they get their work done on time then why does it matter where and when it’s done?
4. Communication Methods: "They expect an open workplace where they can have their views heard without fear of retribution," said Lanzalotto. Generation Y is outspoken and not afraid to speak to the big wigs. They feel as though it’s their right as an employee of the company to have their opinions or complaints heard by management, especially if it has to do with technology.