By Janey
As our workplaces and the way we work evolve, with it comes a new generation of workers, the millennials – Generation Y. This generation has been identified by Buzz Conferencing as the most likely of workers to change jobs frequently to try and find the perfect job for them. This means that organisations will have to make changes to evolve their workplace and work culture to attract and retain the new generation of talent.
At this stage, what changes should employers consider?
Tech savvy generation
Generation Y are equipped with the best technology, many have grown up with better technology than they’ll experience in the workplace. In fact, many Generation Y employees might well be shocked with the quality of technology they meet when they reach the workplace.
With this, organisations will need to support Generation Y with technology improvements and thorough BYOD (bring your own device) policies and BYOA (bring your own app).
Social media savvy generation
It’s no doubt that Generation Y is more active on social media, they like to be connected at all times. This is Generation Y’s comfort zone and in fact it’s likely that they work most productively when they have their social media tabs open.
Many companies already have social media policies in place however; they will find themselves having to develop their policies in line with Generation Y’s needs. Employers should enhance their social media policies but also their recruitment policies as Generation Y aren’t as in tune with traditional marketing methods.
Essentially, organisations should communicate with Generation Y through their preferred means of communication.
Speed and multi-tasking
Generation Y have grown up in a fast-paced world of change, with changing technologies, social media and a constant stream of information. As a result, Generation Y will seek a more dynamic and fast paced working culture with a range of experiences available to them. According to Econsultancy the generation are used to ‘switching their attention between media platforms like laptops, smart phones, tablets and television 27 times per hour.’
This generation is a new breed of multi-taskers and speed workers that may become de-motivated by slow-paced work cultures. Organisations need to structure their culture and team working styles to compliment this fast-paced generation.
Engaging spaces:
According to CNN ‘Generation Y rates the importance of having engaging spaces’. Organisations will therefore need to rethink their office spaces, to make more collaborative and engaging spaces such as an activity based office style. Employers need to give Generation Y the option to work from the places that they are most productive, as the article highlights, ‘The focus there is on collaboration and innovation, nobody has a permanent desk, and employees are encouraged to move around and work in a space that best suit their activity at any given time.’
Flexible Working
According to this Guardian article, Generation Y have different priorities, ‘they care less about salaries and more about flexible working, time to travel and a better work-life balance’. The study in the article found that 85 per cent of Generation Y wanted to spend 30 per cent to 70 per cent of their time working from home. More than half wanted a flexible working arrangement.
Flexible working is becoming more and more popular by employees and more recognised by employers who should act now in developing a tried and tested flexible working policy.
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