Helping Generation Y Succeed in Today’s Workplace

Possibly in no other time in history have four “generations” worked together in today’s business world. The generations? The Silent Generation (roughly, those born between 1925-’45), those Boomers  born between 1946 and 1964), Generation X (those born between 1965 and the late ‘70s or early ‘80s), Generation Y/Millennials (the mid ‘70s to the late 1990s).

Each generation tends to have different “styles” of looking at the world and their place within it. Boomers typically are seen as optimistic, ambitious and loyal. Members of Generation X are seen as resourceful, individualistic, self-reliant and sceptical of authority and members of Generation Y are believed to be optimistic, confident, sociable, and have strong morals and a sense of civic duty. They also expect a great deal of flexibility in the workplace.

Many members of Generation Y are quite technology savvy. Also, even though they’re relaltivley new to the workplace, they nevertheless expect to be valued for their knowledge and skills. They want to make a difference right away and are often shocked (!) when they don’t stop at the top.

A company would be wise to make sure experienced and successful employees take their younger colleagues under their wing. Millennials tend to do very well with mentoring (they’re used to having older people work closely with them).

A structured mentoring program, one with detailed instructions and clear expectations, as well as consistent follow up can go a long way to tapping into this generation’s enthusiasm. They can be very trusting of your firm’s senior management and are happy – even eager – to be mentored.

Looking for great workers of all generations for your Inland Empire company? Then contact Arrow Staffing. We’ve been providing temporary employees to firms in San Bernardino and Riverside counties for more than 40 years. We look forward to being of service!

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