What Are the Ways to Engage and Retain Gen-Y New Age Employees?
Organizations that hire Gen-Y employees shouldn’t expect them to follow the existing work culture. There are certain traits associated with this generation that must be used in a way that benefits an organization and its employees. Most importantly, it is important to engage and absorb Gen-Y employees in their respective work profiles. The following sections discuss these specific Gen-Y traits and suggest related ways to keep this efficient workforce engaged:
They Like to Be Challenged
This is one trait that every organization can take advantage of. Gen-Y’s ‘make a difference’ attitude can be best utilized to take the organization’s missions further. At the same time, providing challenging jobs obviously keeps them occupied and engaged. Challenging them is in fact a way to maintain their energy levels and enthusiasm to work in the organization.
They Want to Be Creative
Gen-Y doesn’t believe in following a fixed path; rather, they like to be creative in their own possible ways. In order to engage them in their work profiles, it is a good idea to provide them with freedom to be creative. However, it is important at the same time to keep an eye on the efficacy of their creativity.
They Are Fast Learners
New age employees are not just creative, but fast learners as well. They admire the company of experienced and senior employees of the organization and want to extend their knowledge through various ways. They can be provided with such opportunities through learning courses so that they are fully engaged in the organization.
They Want to Be Involved
Involvement is one significant way to engage the employees of Gen-Y. They don’t want to be merely called the employees of an organization, but want to learn about the complete setup and working style of the organization. One good idea is to let them attend the board meetings in turns. Another good idea is to ask for their reviews about different projects the organization is willing to take up.
They Are Technology Savvy
Gen-Y makes the most efficient use of the technology that ultimately leads to the growth of the organization as a whole. There are many companies who have allowed their new age employees to access Twitter and Facebook accounts and take the company’s messages to people. This helps in fulfilling another passion of new age employees – the passion to interact. This is also one good way to keep them engaged within the set dimensions.
They Love to Be Rewarded
Gen-Y employees love to be rewarded through appreciation rather than just money. At the same time, these employees are open to constructive feedback, which is no less than a reward for them. Rewarding them this way helps them grow and encourages them to get fully engaged in the organization.
Apart from being efficient, the new age employees are innovative and adaptive to the best of their capabilities. It is more in the hands of an organization to ensure that it keeps its Gen-Y employees engaged to gain their loyalty and to make the most of their talents.
