Communications of the ACM
How to Turn On Generation Y
Employers often complain that members of Generation Y don't work hard, lack commitment, are devoid of loyalty, are pampered, indulged and require excessive praise. This is a mistaken notion. By understanding the values and benefits that appeal to Millennials, employers can energize these young workers. Corporations that rigidly adhere to traditional ways of attracting and retaining talent will experience not only a shortage but will quickly lose the ability to attract the best and brightest minds. The bottom line is that employers need to understand Generation Y's mindset, even if this results in a very different recruitment, talent planning and succession model.
Members of Generation Y tend to view the traditional boss-subordinate dynamic in a different way. Respect, accountability, responsiveness and integrity all remain key levers. The critical difference is that these values are not only expectations of those in positions of power and authority. Generation Ys have a very different mind set regarding employee engagement, retention and career paths. Generation Y is the only generation that grew up with technology, leading to new ways of communication, new types of collaborative networks, and new ways of learning at work. Generation Ys seek out understanding, expertise and problem resolution through multiple sources, many of them external to their employer. Employers need to understand that Millennials will work hard and will produce timely deliverables, but in a way that balances personal demands.
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