Generational Difference:five Tips For Motivating Generation Y In The Workplace

Generation Y employees are age 31 and younger

Generation Y employees are age 31 and younger. Educators and business employers agree that it can be difficult to keep this generation motivated to stay on task and to stay with the company. What they don't understand is "why" it is so difficult. Differences in generations play a big part.

It can be pretty frustrating when management principles that worked in the past don't get the same results with younger employees. A business owner told me this week that they cut the hours of a problem Generation Y employee and she liked it! This is a great example of how older generations misunderstand the characteristics of Generation Y and why efforts to motivate them fail. This boss is leading employees based on his generational values, attitudes and beliefs without taking into consideration those of the Generation Y employee.

If owners and managers want to know what keeps Generation Y "fired up to come to work", they need to understand that each generation is shaped differently in some ways by formative events in their young lives. These five tips will give owners and managers what they need to know most about Generation Y employees to truly motivate them.

Here are my 5 tips for motivating Generation Y:

Tip #1. Give them meaning in what they do. Share the purpose of their work and how it relates to the company goals. Keep out in front of them the deep-seated "Why" of the company, and how every task that they perform fits into that purpose. Once they have earned reliability and dependability, ask their opinion about new ways to get the results and make goals.

Tip #2. Challenge them in their work. Unlike former employees who are comfortable with weeks of orientation, young workers will want the opportunity to prove themselves quickly. They like their skills to be tested and to feel the success of working toward a goal. Get them familiar with the workplace and assign a task right away.

Tip #3. Show appreciation for what they accomplish. They need clear expectations with a description of what is "exceptional results" from the person they report to. Acknowledge them for making that mark so they will be motivated to make it again.

Tip #4. Provide diverse and well-functioning bosses and teams. They want their bosses to enjoy the challenge and be as excited about work as they are. They have learned to work in teams and expect teammates to be capable and passionate for their work so they can accomplish great things together.

Tip #5. Create opportunities for connecting with people. This was the number one response in my recent campus survey when asked Generation Y "What fires you up and makes you want to come to work everyday?" Generation Y wants to learn and they want to make friends. That is why upbeat, friendly, capable and supportive co-workers are important to them. Although unusual for many owners and managers today, this level of camaraderie can be beneficial for increasing social connection within the company and with customers.

And, if you do, you will find that many employees will be motivated in your multi-generational workplace.

Bottom Line, company leaders can take a few steps to personalize employee motivation that will greatly improve the work environment and the quality and level of employee work.

by: Tinker Barnett

POST COMMENT

Some Helpful Tips For A Successful Lead Generation Campaign Mlm Free Leads - Generation Made Simple Led Gu10 Light Bulbs - An Innovative Generation On Electric Power Savings Urban Regeneration: What Does It Mean? Fourth Generation Mobile Broadband Technology (4g) Managing Generations: 5 Hot Tips For Mitigating Millennial Surprises In The Workplace Wings Of Fire: An Inspiration For The Techno-savvy Generation Integrated Lead Generation Trendy Mousepads For The Stylish Generations Leave A Better Planet For Your Generation. Apple Cider (fairly Sweet Or Even Gentle Cider) Generation. Acquiring The Most Beneficial Lead Generation Company Seo Consulting Improves Lead Generation