When overseeing a team of younger staff, one will realise that handling employees of this generation can often be an arduous task. Younger employees are generally known for their potential, drive, knowledge and energy. They are often positive and self assured of their abilities to accomplish requests by the management. However, it requires a great deal of effort to work with them effectively, due in part to their usual appeal for a greater need for work life balance.
(1) Aid in progressing from students to employees
The progression into a working professional can be difficult, uneasy and uptight. Do note that every individual employee react differently to this progression and the company should devise different methods to support these new employees and help them settle into the new work environment smoothly. Such methods could include a job orientation or even a senior buddy system.
(2) Show concern to their personal well being
As with any other employees, it is important to show them concern and find out how they are handling their workload on a regular basis. Caring for them leaves a positive impression and helps to keep their morale up at work. Remembering some of their personal important dates such as birthdays may seem trivial, but it actually certainly plays a significant role in exhibiting a sense of importance of their presence.
(3) Diversity in tasks
Younger employees tend to be more open to trying out new tasks than sticking to a repetitive routine. As they generally possess a shorter attention span, allowing them to handle various short projects may help to boost efficiency and be more rewarding to both parties.
(4) Present a career path
Younger employees are motivated by the possibility of their career growth in the field and companies that can offer them such a clear direction. They would be keen to learn about the career opportunities presented to them in the future and work towards that objective. By discussing the opportunities that can take place, it provides them an insight of the company’s future and helps them plan their goal setting strategies.
(5) Incorporate a lively working environment
Younger employees generally prefer a workplace which is more lively and fun and it helps them appreciate their work. They are more inclined to making friends than just colleagues in the workplace, being able to talk casually among one another and even the possibility of being able to plan non-work related activities for the company. They want to feel more involved in contributing to the lively atmosphere.
Always be mindful that younger employees often create a more lively atmosphere to the workplace, thus a repetitive work task routine will bore them easily. Manage them well, take the above factors into considerations and it won’t be long before you see the positive results.
