How to Relate to and Motivate theNext Generation of Employees

Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Millennials

Born 1925 – 1945

Career Goal Legacy

Motivators Self-worth

Work-Personal Separate

Attitude Formal

“Waste Not, Want Not”

Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Millennials

Born 1925 – 1945 1946 – 1964

Career Goal Legacy Career

Motivators Self-worth Salary – Titles

Work-Personal Separate Less Separate

Attitude Formal Business

“Waste Not, Want Not”

“Live to Work”

Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Millennials

Born 1925 – 1945 1946 – 1964 1965 – 1980

Career Goal Legacy Career “Portable” Career

Motivators Self-worth Salary – Titles Security

Work-Personal Separate Less Separate More Open

Attitude Formal Business Casual

“Waste Not, Want Not”

“Live to Work” “Work to Live”

Traditionalists Baby Boomers Generation X Millennials

Born 1925 – 1945 1946 – 1964 1965 – 1980 1981 - 2006

Career Goal Legacy Career “Portable” Career“Parallel” Careers

Motivators Self-worth Salary – Titles SecurityPersonal Life –

Balance

Work-Personal Separate Less Separate More Open Blended

Attitude Formal Business Casual Very Casual

“Waste Not, Want Not”

“Live to Work” “Work to Live”“Generation

Why”

2015 2020 20250%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

36%50%

75%Other GenerationsMilliennials

Percentage of Millennials in the Workforce

91% of Millennials expect to change jobs every 1-3 years.

Source: Future Workplace “Multiple Generations @ Work” Survey

What can we do to motivate and work together?

Provide Independence

• Share the goal line, but let them call the plays.

• Set clear goals.

• Set expectations upfront.

• Provide constant feedback.

Mentorship

• View education as OUR job, not theirs.

• Want face time.

• Set aside time each day or week to listen and offer guidance.

• Set up a mentorship program with other generations.

Social Interactions

• Don’t see a difference between friend and co-worker.

• Encourage collaborative relationships- working in groups.

• Host social events – celebrations, off-site events, monthly lunches.

• Include a guest(s) – spouse or family.

It’s about the WHY…

• Young people want to be a INVOLVED.

• Core values and mission statements are important.

• See that their job relates to the company goals.

• Making a profit is not enough.

• See organization as flat – not interested in hierarchy.

Share YOUR Why…

• Put your mission and vision upfront and on the wall.

• Discuss vision and motivation during hiring process.

• Explain how each project or task impacts the company goals.

• Encourage discussion and seek input.

• Be transparent.

Our goal is to create a business environment where people WANT to work.

CJ Averwater

Amro Music Stores, Inc.

Email: [email protected]