Millennials in the Workforce Understanding Generational Influences and Working with the Next Generation of Workers

Our Objectives TodayGain an understanding of different generations in the workforce and what makes each differentIdentify effective strategies for multigenerational workplaces and teamsIdentify key strategies to recruit, manage and retain Millennial employees

Characteristics of Different Generations

Veterans: Over 65 years oldImportant events included: The Great Depression WWII The Cold War The Korean War Sputnik went into OrbitYou might be a veteran if…You have the ability to entertain yourself without a TV, in fact you remember the days before TV

Baby Boomers: 45-64 years oldImportant events included: Man walks on the MoonCivil RightsWoodstockDeaths of JFK and Martin Luther KingYou might be a Boomer if…You can complete these sentences…When the Beatles first came to the U.S. in early 1964, we all watched them on the ______show "Get your kicks, ________________”

Generation X: 29-42 years oldImportant events: Challenger Shuttle Explodes on TakeoffBerlin Wall DismantledFall of Communism in Eastern EuropeU.S. Troops go to Persian Gulf for the 1st timeAIDS IdentifiedYou might be a Gen Xer if…Schoolhouse Rock played a HUGE part in how you actually learned the English language. I know what a Bill (sittin’ up on Capital Hill) is thanks to that show!!

Millennials: 18-27 years oldImportant Events: Death of Princess DianaDeath of Mother TeresaColumbine9/11You might be a Millennial if…Blog, Myspace/Facebook, IM, text messaging, and other social media are a regular part of your daily life

Generational ActivitiesForm generational groupsBrainstorm 5 characteristics of other generationsCreate a list of what you don’t understand about other generations approach to work.Bring cards to front when finishedWithin your group, do the characteristics written accurately describe you?Choose a spokesperson to explain your answer

Is the workplace really that different compared to 20 years ago?

According to a survey by Lee Hecht Harrison, 60% of employers are experiencing intergenerational tensions at work. *Source: Generation Y: They’ve Arrived at Work with a New Attitude, 2005

Workplace ValuesSource: When Generations Collide

Sound Familiar?Looking for meaningful workSeeking challengeChance to prove themselves and show they can perform wellEnjoys contact with peopleDesire to be in a position of responsibilityResents being looked at as though they have no experienceTends to be more job mobileLess respectful of authorityWho does this describe?

Training and Development JournalNovember 1970Sorry Boomers, the other generations in the workforce didn’t like you when you started working!Every generation that enters the workforce makes waves!

What makes Millennialsdifferent than other generations?

Millennial CharacteristicsHelicopter parentsThey’ve been told they were special there whole livesMore confident than generations before themTeam-orientedHigh achieving

Millennial CharacteristicsUnder more pressure to perform than other generationsCompared to 20 years agoMore ethnically diverseMore affluentHealthierTechnologically proficientConnected with peers

Millennial Employees: Why You Want ThemIncreased hiring needs with Boomer retirementsMillennials offer exceptional strengths to the workplaceFlexibleEfficient multi-taskersTechnologically savvy Value diversityFast learners Enthusiastic

Millennial Employees: How to Get ThemRecruiting: Online, In Person, Through NetworksManaging: Orientation, Open Communication, Feedback, TeamworkRetaining: Values, Opportunity, Career Planning

Engaging Millennials EarlyInternshipsIntroduce your industry or company to the next generation of workersMillennials can learn positive work behavior from mentorsMillennials have a lot to offer companies

Introduce your industry or company to the next generation of workers

Millennials can learn positive work behavior from mentors

Millennials have a lot to offer companies

How can different generations survive the workplace and be productive as a team?

Jennifer Fisherwww.generationalsoup.com