Almost every human resource professional has had to attend some workshop on how to deal with generational gaps, especially with Generation Y (aka Millennials).  Who is Generation Y?  Defined in a USA TODAY article, “They’re young, smart, brash.  They may wear flip-flops to the office or listen to iPods at their desk.  They want to work, but they don’t want work to be their life.” A NAS Recruitment study states that “Generation Y makes up over 70 million people in the U.S.  With those born between 1977 and 1994 included, they make up over 20% of today’s population.  The largest generation since the baby-boomers, the Millennials are defined by their numbers.  They will have a huge social and economic impact.”  I’d say that’s pretty accurate – I mean, I can – at 27 years old I am a proud member of Gen Y. 

Now for some revelations…Like most Gen Yers I take my professional life seriously – I care, I listen, I learn and most importantly I ask questions like “Why?”  Woah, is this not what comes to mind when you think of Gen Y?  It’s much more common than you think…you just haven’t found out all of our secrets yet.  In my opinion Gen Y has gotten a bad rap.  We are not as dreadful as we are commonly made out to be.  I honestly believe the negative connotations around my generation stem from a fear or lack of understanding of what we say, how we act or how to deal with us.  Rather than learning from us and with us, our colleagues tend to get frustrated and not take us seriously.  

Remember that toddler phase when the obvious question to ask was most certainly, “Why?”  This concept IS Gen Y.  We are the generation that grew up with technology (Microsoft anyone?) as a major influence on the foundation of our behaviors.  We care about our future and what impact decisions of today can have on that future.  We are slowly taking over – as the Baby Boomers begin to retire and Gen Xers have gotten comfortable in their positions, Gen Yers are stepping up to the plate, whether you like it or not!  Most importantly, we are asking, “Why?” 

In this age of economic uncertainty, how can an organization assimilate Gen Yers into their workforce effectively and efficiently?  That’s a question I recently asked China Miner Gorman, Chief Operating Officer (@SHRMcoo on Twitter) of the Society for Human Resource Management (@SHRM on Twitter).  Her initial answer:  “Engagement is the key!”  With over 450 affiliated student chapters of SHRM at colleges and universities across the country SHRM has realized the need to understand this growing force.  With future business leaders among their members SHRM recognizes the need to help guide these individuals from the beginning of their careers and beyond.  Ms. Gorman also shared some ideas for businesses to use when working with Generation Y. 

Access to innovative technology.  Organizations must stay abreast of current and future trends in technology as a retention tool.   

As a Gen Yer, I am constantly looking for ways to enhance my skills, especially in technology.  It is a priority.  Yes, I am an HR professional with an HR college degree (Marist College, Class of 2004 – Go Red Foxes!), but did you also know that I can write, develop websites or that I am a self proclaimed social media nerd? 

Treat them as they are – sophisticated.  Do not treat them like kids or inexperienced professionals!  They are sophisticated and globally diverse in thinking – thanks in large part to how they were raised by their parents or guardians. 

Think about it.  We have been provided with access to so much.  Semesters abroad, television, computers, Blackberries, iPhones, Facebook, Twitter – just a glimpse at was has formed us.  We’ve always had choices and we can make good informed decisions – unfortunately we struggle with being trusted.  Let us make decisions and experience self-efficacy!

Full disclosure is essential.  They are a skeptical generation but still optimistic.  They are aware that there are many paths to choose when making a decision but want the facts, the real story. 

When it comes down to it, we value fairness and ethics and want to know the background of why and how a decision was made.  We want full transparency – no blind decisions, the total picture is a must!

They want to be in control of their destiny.  They long for a sense of control. 

As human resource professionals you can help us create our destinies by customizing career paths, promotions and lateral opportunities.  Teach us, mentor us, lead us!

Their parents made them do it.  This generation has been significantly impacted by the relationships they have had with their parents or guardians.  They have grown up with luxuries that no previous generation has had to the same extent. 

Seriously, I am my parents fault!  Reading books…boring.  Teddy Ruxpin reading us books – now that was fun.  Nintendo, Play Station, Sega Genesis, personal computers, cell phones, iPhones, Blackberries,  YouTube, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, AIM – access to cutting edge technology.  Unfortunately, such access has had a detrimental impact on our interpersonal skills.  An actual face-to-face conversation is typically lost on us.  It’s easier for us to communicate with technology speak – acronyms, no punctuation, no sentence structure.  LOL (laugh out loud), BTW (by the way), OMG (oh my god), etc.  We need coaching and mentoring and want it – we want to learn and become successful – we want to live our values and make a difference.

One of the biggest problems with generational gaps comes between Generation Y and the Baby Boomers because of skills development.  Due to our technology-ingrained minds our interpersonal skills may be less adept, but it is hard for us to recognize this.  Conflict arises when Baby Boomers get frustrated with us because of issues with interpersonal skills – but progress is being made.  The challenge is, how can your organization train this generation, and learn from them at the same time?   SHRM’s views are just a start but a good one at that.  Take this challenge seriously.  You never know when your next boss could just be a Gen Yer.  Go forth and make progress while I Tweet, text, blog, friend someone on Facebook and talk to my mom on my cell all at the same time.  Good luck!