When talking about the generations I like to keep it simple. Gen Y’s are in their 20’s and there are about 70 million versus 78 million baby boomers (those in their mid forties up to early sixties). There is no question that businesses are very interested in how to attract Gen Y’s and how to keep them happy. There are 5 ways to recruit this highly attractive demographic to the workplace. They are:
1. Use social networking media such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter- these sites are fast becoming the ‘word of mouth’ central for twenty somethings (and Gen X and some boomers) to talk about jobs, opportunities and cool companies.
2. Make it easy for them to apply for a job on the internet- make it simple and be sure to answer all of their questions about the job in the job posting. Provide extra information such as what a typical day at work would look like, what they can expect from their leader and what they can expect in regards to time off, company activities etc.
3. Be honest about your technology policies and culture. Gen Y’s want to know when they are allowed to use their PDA’s at work and when they can check their Facebook. One major credit union in the US made it very clear that their Gen Y tellers could not use their Blackberries while working but in the break room the credit union provided desk top computers where the Gen Y’s can surf the Net or instant message friends during their breaks.
4. Offer training in a variety of ways that include: coaching, outside expert seminars, and online training. Gen Y’s have grown up on video games and online training is a form of training they are used to and can relate to quite easily.
5. Treat them like they are your friend. This is a tough one for most boomer leaders because boomers come from the school of ‘work is work’. Gen Y’s are far less formal and some call their parents by their first name, they use nicknames as ways to show collegiality and friendship. You won’t keep a Gen Y forever but be happy to have them as long as they stay. They will tell their friends through social networking whether you were cool to work for.
In my next blog post I will talk about keeping the Gen Y’s happy. By the way there is a great web site that delivers books in email segments and some of the books are free- Gen Y’s love it- check it out at http://www.dailylit.com