Much has been talked about generational diversity and managing young workforce in companies today. As much as 50% employees in, say, a technology company today form Gen Y. It is both interesting and inspiring to work with them, and here are some of the workplace rules that I have learnt and adopted.
Everyone is equal: The young generation respects a workplace that is equal and equitable. Equality here does not mean calling seniors by their first names or knowing all information about the company or even open-door policy of senior management. It means that they are given equal opportunities to voice opinions, and be part of the change. So, for this generation, a leader is not identified based on ?who? (experience/age), but based on ?what? (competency/value).
Short and direct communication: The youth doesn?t want to read long mails, communication materials, or anything that is verbose. They want facts and messaging done in a simple manner, highlighting ?why? the message is being sent to them and what actions should they take after reading the message.
No advice but just a bouncing board: I don?t think I can discuss with this generation the pros and cons of making a certain career or life decisions in a detailed manner, using my own experience or being hypothetical. For example, any discussion like ?You know, when I was your age, I faced a similar situation?? may not work with today?s workforce.
Speak up is being assertive: Any problem is to be addressed immediately. The feedback is direct and constructive, and more frequent using multiple channels. They do not want to wait till the annual 360-degree feedback to provide inputs to managers, and look forward for informal channels including the ?brown bag? lunches.
Result-oriented workplace: Flexi hours, small cubicles for better interactions, remote working and socially-connected for solving problems?these are some of the key drivers for engaging Gen Y. They believe in rewards and recognition that are results-based and not necessarily based on the number of hours spent at work.
Work-life balance is work-life continuity: The definition of ?balance? is different across all generations. These could range from ?coming to office on time and leaving on time? to ?doing something that one is passionate about?. So, the one-size-fits-all approach to providing employee assistance programmes no longer works for any generation.
Every day is a party day: A Friday evening get-together is a passe. Gen Y looks for entertainment and get-together any day. They do not look for companies to sponsor these, and do not want to be disturbed for official work during any celebrations.
Community, corporate citizenship is important: Gen Y believes in paying back to the society. They believe in ethical and community-centric organisations.
Srimathi Shivashankar
The author is associate vice-president, diversity & sustainability, HCL Technologies Ltd