The Gen Y Merry-Go-Round

Written by Soong Chong, Director 

Are you finding that you are employing young talented staff, only to have them leave in less than 1 year? Was it something you did? Or is it typical of a Gen Y generation? 

If you Google Gen Y, you will find there is a plethora of information on them. And guess what, here is one more article. 

I am sure, those of you in this age bracket, are moaning "oh no" or "here we go again" and are eager to dismiss this article. Well, dare I say it, typical Gen Y attitude. 

So who are Gen Y? If you conduct a quick Google search, you will be hit with "information overload".

The best and most articulate article I found was one by Jim Peduto. A link is provided below to his article. In summary Gen Y tend to have the following attributes:

• high-maintenance and needy
• speak their mind
• impatient
• sceptical
• adaptable, yet demand flexibility
• goal-Oriented and ambitious
• technology-savvy
  
  

So, what can be done about it? Here are 3 tips: 

Tip 1: Take ownership and responsibility of managing them.
They cannot manage themselves. And "no", they are not management material, yet (no matter what they say). 

Tip 2: Clearly outline your expectations of them and manage their expectations. If you don't manage their expectations, and they don't know what your expectations are, they will start running their own race and will do what ever they want instead of what is requested of them. And this can occur with people of all ages, not just Gen Y. 

Tip 3: Provide constructive feedback.
Tell them what has worked, what has not and ask what can be done differently. And if they don't take on the feedback, don't be afraid to say "I don't think this is working" and send them on their way. They are a talented age group and will, most likely, find a new job the next day. 

To read more of Jim Peduto's  article click here.