Manage Smarter offers Understanding the 20-Something Workforce. I have to confess, in our business we do not have frequent interaction with 20 some year olds. Here are excerpts of the author’s suggestions:
1. Make their first day unforgettable.
Twenty-somethings thrive on instant gratification. “They’re used to taking a lot of data in at one time and making a choice,” Dorsey says. While this is a great asset in business, it unfortunately means a company has little time to make an positive impression.2. Don’t rely on a competitive salary to keep talent.
“It’s a big realization, but money does not always build loyalty,” Dorsey says. Twenty-somethings’ parents, often Baby Boomers themselves, wanted their children to have an easier life than they had. As a result, twenty-somethings often don’t feel the same pressure to achieve personal and financial independence as their parents did.3. Adjust to their high expectations.
Many twenty-somethings have extremely high career expectations, and Dorsey says “many believe that if they got good grades in college, they can be an executive in as little as two years.” This misconception results in many Gen-Yers’ discouragement, and they soon feel trapped in the limiting 9-to-5 mindset.4. Create stimulating rewards.
Since twenty-somethings seek meaning in everything they do, simply handing out gift cards periodically for doing a good job isn’t very inspiring. This goes back to the idea of being emotionally invested, so make your rewards something special.