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HUMAN RELATIONS
Generation Y Welcome to the “ME
ME ME” generation where it is all about them and you only live once so just do it. This genera- tion of individuals was born between the years of 1980 – 2000 and technology is all
they know and love to use. Social media is their pref- erence of expression and being able to leave their signature on their work projects is an honor, because it is their work. When you have a generation that has grown up with cellphones, microwaves, and the con- venience of student loans and scholarships why wouldn’t they want things to be about them? Generation Y has always been able to cater things to themselves the way that advancement and conven- ience of technologyhas played insociety, so therefore they will be required to continue that in their work environment. You now see three year olds with iPads and elementary kids with cellphones. Every college student has to have a laptop device of some sort and we now live in era where a house landline phone is almost nonexistent. Therefore, this generation is entitled and privileged to make things about them, catering to them, not because they are selfish like others perceive, but because personalization is what they know, so the more personable they can make their lives, the happier they are.
Flexibility and autonomy are keys to keeping a Gen Yer productive at work.
In the workplace, the Gen Yer can be at a doctor’s appointment and through the use of technology write a report or submit emails. So then they ask, why do I need to be in the office? Or if I work in an environment where I can’t leave then I should at least be allowed to make my own schedule as long as I amgetting my job done right?
This generation values extreme fun, so therefore
the more you can make the work environment pro- ductive and fun the more they are willing work harder. When it comes to loyalty, if they are not feeling valued, respected or like what they are doing is meeting their personal goals then, yes, they may be enticed to leave. Money is amotivating factor, but time is just as valu- able if not more valuable because time allows the free- dom of choice. This generation has found ways to be successful without college through the use of technol- ogy, but has also found that college can be a great expense so if they invest their time in going they feel entitled to get a job upon graduation.
What toDo? There are several of different strategies that apply
to the workplace to be able to make sure everyone gets along and is productive. Here are some tips you can use to implement in any work environment that can create harmony. (1) Match formality to the culture. When you put policies and processes in place, make sure it’s aligned with the culture of the organization and the environ- ment. If you are going to have a younger generation of employees then understand what keeps them motivated and allow some levels of flexibility in their work duties. The one-size-fits-all management style is a thing of the past. (2) Use multiple communication avenues. Get to know your employees and understand their preference of communication. The key to a successful workplace is in good relationships. Technology is not the pre- ferred method for everyone and even though it isn’t a one way street and everyone has to work together, know what someone’s level of comfort is and provide training and support if needed. (3) Individualize your approach. Make sure you are managing and communicating to your employees as individuals and not based on assumption or your individual preferences. You may like to have all your emails to your phone, where another co-worker may like to leave work at work, so when they leave they don’t want to be bothered. (4) Understand value differences. Know your employ- ees’ goals, and what they are there for. Not everyone
42 Automotive Recycling | November-December 2016