Avoid Pitfalls With Gen Y In The Workplace

Chances are, you’re working with some Millennials (born 1982-1995). Maybe it’s not always easy, but what is? Understanding who they are and what they expect will help you communicate better and be more productive on the job. You won’t be doing yourself, or your company, any favors if you’re making some common mistakes when it comes to your Gen Y co-workers.

Chances are, you’re working with some Millennials (born 1982-1995). Maybe it’s not always easy, but what is? Understanding who they are and what they expect will help you communicate better and be more productive on the job. You won’t be doing yourself, or your company, any favors if you’re making some common mistakes when it comes to your Gen Y co-workers.

GEN Y IS NOT YOUR TECH SUPPORT

Yes, Generation Y has grown up with technology and they’re generally tech-savvy. That doesn’t mean they want to be your tech support. Asking a Millennial co-worker to help you deal with your computer issues distracts them from their work, unless they work in IT. Further, it sends the message that you’re out of touch with current technology.

Instead of asking Gen Y for tech support as your default, act like Gen Y, do what they’d do: Google it.

DON’T DISCOUNT THEIR EXPERIENCE

Generation Y has struggled to find work. The unemployment rate for Gen Y is nearly 16 percent; that’s not optimistic. They’re moving back in with their parents looking for work. Your Millennial co-workers may have come to your company from Starbucks, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a strong work ethic and the desire to gain the experience they need in their current position.

Instead of discounting the experience they do have, help lead them on a path towards gaining the experience they need.

OUT OF OFFICE DOESN’T MEAN THEY’RE NOT WORKING

Generation Y, despite what you may have been lead to believe, is not lazy. In fact, they’re always on. They are tech-savvy, and that means they can work from anywhere. Butts in chairs does not equal productivity and just because you might not see your Gen Y co-workers at their desks by eight a.m. every morning or at five p.m. every night doesn’t mean they aren’t working.

It’s the end of work as we know it and that means more telecommuting and using technology to work from outside of the office. Work has become more flexible and Millennials understand and use the technology feeding that trend.

The way we work has changed. Adjusting your assumptions to better reflect the 21st Century workforce will help you better understand and work with Generation Y.

Looking for more information on how to work with multiple generations in the workplace? Check out XYZ University’s customized workshops!