Managing the Younger Generation

How to manage and motivate younger workers for peak results

By LaRita Heet, Freelance Writer, Journalist, IBT Designer, LMH Communications

Generational differences are a part of society. The employer who encourages a multi-generational team environment is the same person who will reap the rewards of the resultant productivity. To manage younger employees for optimal results, follow these easy steps:

Reach out to your younger employees.
Establish the destination, but give them freedom on the path.
Be flexible and open to new workplace solutions, both now and in the future.

Stop the stereotyping

Within each generation, there are different formative cultures and events in society, creating generational similarities. But remember each individual is unique, so don't make broad assumptions based merely on a person's age.
Try: Go to Generations at Work for a wealth of information about different generations. Want to have some fun with it? Order the Connecting Generations board game!

Getting to know you

Studies show that the younger workforce, raised in the high-tech world of instant information, tends to process data quickly and then want more. Don't misinterpret this as a short attention span. Instead, give them maximum information access and watch what they do with it.
Try: Check out Customer Service Gold to for insight into the younger generation.

Speak their language

Younger employees will appreciate the opportunity to develop their own solutions to challenges, so whenever possible, allow them the freedom to do so.
Try: Computer-based training is definitely the way to go with the younger workforce. Check out the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for a list of dozens of online courses – for free.

Be flexible

Does your company offer flexibility in the form of telecommuting, flex hours and paid work enhancement training? No? There's no time like the present to start exploring such options. In today's workplace culture, more and more businesses are opening their policies to accommodate and woo young professionals, who are drawn to a flexible work culture.
Try: The Spherion Emergent Company Survey can help you assess your workplace culture. How does your company stack up?

Changing times, changing minds

Don't be afraid to make changes in how your business "has always done" things.
Try: Sign up for free "Next Generation" newsletters at Knowledge Café to stay informed on topics regarding the younger generation.