In Phoenix Talking About Gen Y @ Work
Posted by anastasia on 11-06-2006This morning I spoke at the CIO conference in Phoenix to IT executives about Gen Y or Millennials at work with an emphasis on how they are using technology. I had fun, although it's interesting that all of the talk about how empowered and opinionated this generation is inspired the reaction from some of the execs that they sound like brats. Of course these are the execs who are parents of teens today. I think there is going to be a natural tension between this generation, mine and the Boomers, but we all have to learn how to coexist at work. Just because Millennials are full of bravado, doesn't mean they don't have great ideas — especially when it comes to how to reach their peers. I thought I would share my 10 Tips for Creating A Gen Y Friendly Workplace here on the blog. Feel free to add your own in the comments.
1. Go for a higher level of internal transparency: Blog on your intranet, create an internal Facebook where employees can learn about each other. Use a tone that is authentic vs. the company line and admit when you’re wrong
2. Train your managers to not just manage but to mentor
3. Create an optional listserv for employees to share non-work announcements, jokes, etc. It will keep the noise out of work email yet create a space for socializing (we actually had one at Current called Noise, which seemed to work pretty well)
4. Allow occasional telecommuting. Be flexible. As the long as the work gets done, that’s what matters.
5. Invest in opportunities for ongoing learning either at your company or pay for outside courses (even if they don't feel directly related - classes where people can be creative can indirectly improve job performance and make your employees happier)
6. Create an idea wiki or some way for employees to suggest ideas or changes for your company either openly or anonymously
7. Empower them. Create opportunities to lead and participate, especially in meetings
8. This generation wants to contribute to the greater good. Give them time to volunteer or sponsor an employee designated cause
9. Allow job switching. If they are getting bored in their job (after a reasonable amount of time), switch it!
10. Encourage outside projects/passions and “intrapreneurship.” If an outside project compliments what your doing, support it! And if they show entrepreneurial spirit outside of work, channel it inside the office!
P.S. One person shared an anecdote about how her own teens were up all night and never seemed to get enough sleep. She found the same trend in her young employees. Guess what she did? That's right - nap time at the office. She said productivity has gone up. How cool is that?
November 6th, 2006 at 3:36 pm
You know, I'm not totally sure why to accomodate younger employees. We're lazy enough as it is. However, most of your comments are very good :) I definitely agree with telecommuting. It's a new day and age and if you're salary, all that matters is you get your job done. Mainly because I want to work from home the rest of the week.
November 6th, 2006 at 5:06 pm
The conference sounds pretty cool. How long are you gonna be in Phoenix?
November 7th, 2006 at 3:12 am
Anastasia - remember the tv show Sanford & Son? (reruns maybe?) Whenever something particularly mind blowing would happen to Fred, he would clutch his chest, gyrate around, look to the sky and spew, "Elizabeth I'm comin' to join you!"
This is the visual I get to the reaction of most managers to the idea of implementing a nap period.
The business world desparately needs more people with the mindset of even thinking this way, let alone implementing it!
There are sooooo many good things that Gen Y has to offer! We need to listen, understand and try em out.
November 12th, 2006 at 3:25 pm
Great comments. And yes, the irony to me was that many of the same people who were complaining about this generation (and how entitled they act) also parented them. Sorry Matt Bob Jones, I was literally there for the morning and then flew to NYC. Sorry I missed you.