Generational Engagement - it is in the how not the what
My firm attended an employee engagement conference earlier this month with a topic focused on generational workforce engagement strategy development.
"The Gen Y Guy on 60 Minutes" addresses some of the issues.
One thing is clear from the conference and that is that there is no clear answer on how to engage the Gen Y/Millennial workforce. However, that being said, there was strong agreement, that there are more similarities in what engages across the work force generations (baby boomers, Gen X & Gen Y); it is the how to engage that presents the major difference.
Similarities shared by conference participants in generational workforce engagement include Work-Life-Balance (WLB) as a primary Gen X and Gen Y engagement motivator. However how WLB is achieved for Gen Y typically involves greater flexibility including time away from the job for travel and further education. The importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the workplace was also highlighted as a similarity across generations; the difference being that Gen X felt it was important for companies to introduce and communicate CSR initiatives while the Gen Y cohort wants to participate and be part of the initiative rather than just learning about it.
There was considerable frustration expressed by many at the conference in terms of how Gen Y attitudes frustrate other employees with their different expectations in terms of timing. While there is a similarity in the strong motivator of job promotion, the difference again is in the how with they key difference being the shorter time frame of Gen Y expectations for career advancement and recognition.
The group generally agreed that there are more similarities than differences across the workforce generations, the challenge is for the employer to embrace the differences and encourage the best from their talent. Again, the 'how' is the challenge not the 'what'.
Patricia McQuillan
2 Comments
David Zinger said
As I look at the generations I wonder how much is generational and how much is it living in 2011 going into 2012. I appreciated how you focused on similarities, I loved Jennifer Deal's book on Retiring the Generation Gap. Very sound conclusion: the how is the challenge not the want. Thanks Patricia.
Aruna Adhya said
On the subject of 'Millenials'....
I believe that parenting styles and rapidly evolving technology both play a huge role in how the individual is shaped in terms of attitude and expectations. As a parent of a 'millennial', I submit the following observations: criticism must come creatively for fear of offending, appreciation and praise is required for just about everything and boredom is always creeping up so tasks need to be engaging or entertaining. On the positive side, 'millenials' are master multitaskers, imaginative, passionate and empathic. I, in my new business, am considering hiring a 'millennial' in the near future and due of my personal experience, I feel that I may have enough insight to create a successful working environment for this up and coming generation but only time will tell...wish me luck!