Consider these when Hiring Generation Y and The Millennial.

Today as we speak many companies are recruiting or already have 70% of their employees who range from age 18 – 30yr olds. These are the generation Y, the millennial! Statistics show that we spend 60-80% of our TIME at the Workplace, with such we have a case to be concerned with the 21st century employees who have been accused of lacking work ethics, young and restless, shorter attention spans and all other manner of finger pointing.

It is estimated that a good number of young people are getting employed immediately after graduating from college. Mainly due to introduction of graduate trainee programs which act as induction.  But prior to making the giant leap into the unknown, employing “the young and restless”, make sure you learn as many "pitfalls" and as well as the advantages(which outnumber the former FYI) as you plan to absorb, retain or mentor this generation for the next leadership roles and succession planning in your organizations’.

The following are 5 things to Understand about GENERATION Y and MILLENIAL at the WORK PLACE.

These five items may not be as cool, but they can greatly increase organizations chances of success, talent management, retention, and save personal relationships that truly matter.

• They are Fast-but get this; their view of Time is very different from yours.

Well you have all heard about the hyper and quick success myth associated with our generation, the truth is “time” has changed its 2015 hellos!! The millennial time frame is based on right now, they value their time , they have so many things to deal with including putting their phones down to eat, nothing is guaranteed in their world, they know they are not going to be the leaders of tomorrow, that’s a lie they say in “Africa”!! Because the old folks won’t give them a chance anyway.

LESSON 1: When dealing with these generations with regard to specific tasks do not look too far into the future, because in their world they want to get the Job done, put it behind them and enjoy life. Just to remind us they have slogans like YOLO (You only live once) and that other one- Work Hard Play Hard (WHPH) specifically invented for this reason.

LESSON 2: In these generations they are pretty much focused on their own social life and consequently they plan work around it, rather than the other way round. Instead of being frustrated on why they dash out of their work stations early, organizations can use this and give them tasks that are urgent and would require speed. They can use their hormonal drives to get things done as quickly as they are needed and submit without compromising the companies’ values.

• They are hungry and thrive on Feedback.

They need continuous feedback on their work. As they are meant to understand clear communication can solve some of the problems. This generation will want to work in a two-way management situation. Just don’t expect them to sit back and take instruction; they will reply with their own input in any case they are presented with.

LESSON 3: if you are managing the millennial learn to give continuous feedback at their pace especially when it’s needed, delayed fulfillment normally result in frustrations thus lowering motivation to work.

• They don’t take routine and bureaucracy too well; their view of Loyalty and Respect can be two way.

This generation is very hungry to learn, but in some organizations’ they find this process too bureaucratic or pegged on some routine that MUST be followed. Sorry! As much as you have volunteered to mentor this generation, respectful interaction, quick feedback and flexible schedules will motivate them to deliver. Anything else they would imagine they are being ignored.

LESSON 4: Company managers need to earn their respect, don’t demand it from this generation they won’t respond too well to orders, if they wanted to, they would have joined the Army!

• They value success

Generation Y and Millennial will want to be informed and share in the success of the company. They would want to be part of the family. But you find organizations being too cautious to share company successes with this type of employees. If these generations find out that they are not part of the system they will become deviants.

LESSON 5: It’s important to create a company culture where employees feel that they are working towards a common purpose.

• They don’t take Criticism too well

This generation is used to supervision from people they trust and love “so and so knows me well” they would say. Being criticized without being told the other side of the story does not go well with them especially from people they consider strangers.

LESSON 6:  Managers should try to provide feedback instead of criticism which will in turn work as deterrence to employees repeating mistakes they were already aware of. Millennial expect you to be upfront with them when engaging them and practicing what you preach. 

Gen Y and Millennial can bring much to your workplace. They need much from you, in return. Get to know them - understand their career aspirations, development needs and coach to their specific needs.