10 Ways to successfully work with Generation Y Co-workers
Written by a Generation Y Employee
1)Refrain from talking to them face to face. If you need something, send an email or a text message. If you absolutely MUST talk to them, then first send them a text/email stating what you will talk about and ask them to call you. This will save you non-acknowledgment and frustration when they don’t give you the time of day.
2)Be cautious to ask about their personal life. Generation Y has a strong distinction between work and personal life. If they do not give you detailed accounts of what they did that weekend, do not be offended. They simply feel private business should be left at home and full attention to work be given when at the office.
3)If you have a question, and you have not "Googled" it, you will be met with confusion and consternation. They will wonder how you can hold a job without the common sense to “Google” first.
4)Generation Y has grown up with constant barrage of sound so be tolerant of their need to be plugged in. It is how they concentrate on their task at hand.
5)Constant praise is a MUST for Generation Y. Parents of the Gen Y crowd are guilty of constantly praising their children as they wanted them to have high self-esteem. It may have backfired a little, as most Gen Y’s are quite confident and self-assured to the point of developing “large heads”. No use trying to deflate them, they are much too confident to assume there is anything wrong with them and it must be you.
6)Parental advice is about all Generation Y will listen to. Be careful not to tell them “you should do this” or “you should be that”. It will create a tornado-like effect and you will be sucked into the maelstrom.
7)Patience may be a virtue, but not to Generation Y. There is no procrastinating as they were taught to get things done now so you can have fun later. Actually, this is a very positive trait of theirs and should be admired.
8)Generation Y expects everyone to think for themselves. They were given an education of “outside the box” thinking and expect everyone to be the same. If you can’t think “outside the box” then keep your boxlike thinking to yourself.
9)Be aware that sarcastic remarks are part of their nature. They find it humorous and it is sometimes a hint that they find you either amusing or annoying. Works either way for them so be careful.
10)Generation Y is extremely loyal to those they respect. It does require a great deal to prove yourself to a Gen Y but once they respect you, then you have a friend for life.
Written by Nikki Baulisch