The key to managing people is to understand them.    That key is also true for managing employees under 30.  While “Baby Boomers  (Age 46-64), still rule the workplace, and set the rules, that workplace will only thrive if it gives its employees what they need.  And simply put, those under 30 think and learn differently than those that set the rules.   And those in “Generation Y” (Ages 10-29) want and need different things, as well.  Thriving work environments give employees what they need not just what is offered.

Consider these needs when dealing with employees under 30:

1.  The Need for Constant Feedback and Recogniton.  Employees under 30 were raised by a generation that was child-centered.  Their parents put them in schools, sports, and activities where they were constantly stroked, recognized, given awards, and presented with certificates.  Educators stressed giving these youths  ”self-esteem.”  As a result Generation Y employees  need constant feedback, evaluations, and positive strokes.  This is contra to what “Boomers” who rule the world give: annual, formal one year evaluations and an expectation of good work.  Give  Generation Y constant feedback and positive recogniton, when appropriate,  to keep them happy, productive and in the game.

2.  Under 30 Employees Stress Results Not Processes.  Boomers grew up calculating math with pencil, and paper and long equations.  Mathematics was about how you got your answer. Gen Y’s solved math with calculators. It was about the answer or result.  Boomers would spend days or weeks in large libraries to research subjects.  Gen Ys “Google” and use Wikipedia and get answers in seconds and research subjects in mere hours.  Boomers were taught programming; Ys run applications.  Given this, is it a surprise that employees under 30 don’t care for “time-wasting” meetings or sit down classes that are time and place-bound?  Or could care less how many hours someone worked or what their activities were for any given day.  Under 30s will simply ask, “What was the result?’

3.  Under 30s are Social.  Generation Y employees wants to have fun at work.  They are the most social generation as evidenced by their constant texting and use of social media sites.  How does this fit with older employees who set company rules and policies?

4.  Under 30s want Meaningful Work.  Boomers were taught by their parents to “start at the bottom and work your way up.”  Generation Ys were taught by their parents and educators that their “potential success is unlimited.”  So, under 30 employees seek meaningful work.  If they don’t get it; they will leave or be very unhappy.

Chew on this….Chris.