“Why are you sitting in this room with me today?” asked Claudia St. John, president of Affinity HR group, during her opening remarks at “Millennials in the Workforce - Tips for Managing Your Multi-Generational Workforce.” An interesting question for the start of a session and one that wouldn’t normally get much of a response. But this was no ordinary crowd. There was an immediate response and the concerns they shared were specific and were met with nods and sounds of agreement throughout the room as each one was spoken. From cell phone use at work to engaging them in the business, working a full 8 hours, motivating employees, the importance of doing the job right, employees showing up on time, and countering entitlement.
St Johns addressed all of these concerns, especially as they related to Millennials. Each generation sees the role of work differently, she explained.
1922-1945: Traditionals
1946- 1964: Baby Boomers
1965-1980: Gen X
1981-1994: Millenials / Gen Y
1995-2010: Gen Z
As Millenials are populating 50% of the workforce right now, it is especially important to figure out how to work with them and understand them. Most importantly, “You are not going to change them, you have to change you,” she said. Listen to their concerns, provide flexibility, use scheduling apps, give them coaching, provide supervision and structure. “Ask them,” said St. Johns. “The act of listening and caring is massive, especially for this generation.” And, when talking to them, mimic the “tone of voice” of the person you are talking to. “Fifty-five percent of communication comes in body language, 38% is my tone of voice, only about 7-10 percent is conveyed via the word.”
They are used to feedback, so providing recognition is important too. “This is the group that gets a ribbon for 12th place. They are used to being recognized and celebrated,” said St. Johns. Let them know when they go above and beyond. “It is addictive, it brings them right in.” Plus, they have to believe that their job has meaning. “They have to believe their job has a purpose. Their job has to benefit society in some meaningful way.”
Feedback:
Travis Laroue of Ship Shape Car Wash in Wisconsin said, I enjoyed learning how to manage Millenials without being the boss and demanding.
Chad Suttles of Waterworks Carwash in Tennessee said, I learned how they were all so different!
