Fourth Part of the Series: Dealing with Multi Generations in the Workplace by Madeline Frank, Ph.D.

The fourth generation of workers in the workplace are Generation Y/ Millennial. They were born between 1982 and 2000 and are ages 18-35. They grew up with technology and want work to be a fun place to be. They are goal oriented and want to do meaningful work that is important to the company they are working for. Some may think that Generation Y seems like the spoiled and entitled generation, but that’s not true. They need to be supervised and motivated in a structured and stable environment with immediate feedback and praise. They want to work in a fun environment.

Generation Y may have held as many as 10 jobs. Don’t let that disturb you. Many of these companies have gone under. Generation Y are looking to find a job that fits their talents and needs. They want to have meaningful work. This generation is good at multitasking.
If another company is offering them an extra 50 cents an hour they will want to change jobs for the extra money. Show them the benefits of staying with your company and how they can grow and learn new skills to advance in your company. Offer them educational opportunities to improve their skills.

Many businesses have hired Generation Y employees and have on their first day of work trained them on how they want them to dress, serve their customers, and taught them about the safety equipment at their businesses.


Feedback and Praise:

Generation Y needs supervision and immediate feedback and praise. It’s important to impose stability and structure to reassure and motivate this generation to work as a team. They are eager to be motivated and involved and make a difference in your company. Communicate with them by text, e-mail, or voice mail.


The Power of First Impressions on Generation Y’s First Day of Work:

A friend of mine’s son in Generation Y became an electrical apprentice when he was 19. On his first day of employment, the minute he arrived for work, his electrical employer handed him a company shirt, hard hat, safety glasses and other equipment. His employer immediately modeled for him how to wear his clothes and use his safety equipment to protect himself and the building he would be working in. Each of the new employees/team members were taught on their first day, the minute they arrived, what the rules were, how to dress , and how to use their safety equipment.

At a local Brazilian Steak House the management trains its Generation Y staff and servers for a month on how they are to dress, treat and serve their customers. Also each team member is taught how to safely use all the equipment in the restaurant to keep themselves and their customers safe. Once they begin working in the restaurant they are tested daily as each table of guests are handed a computer with a short survey on how well the servers and staff members handled their meal.



Remember Generation Y needs to be supervised and motivated in a structured and stable environment. They also need immediate feedback and praise. They want to do meaningful and important work to make a difference in your company. Send them to courses to help them work smarter, faster, and improve their knowledge. They want to work in a fun environment.

Don't we all wish to work in a fun and pleasant environment?


Tune in next Thursday for a true story on how these 4 generations work together as a team at a business with their four generations of customers.


Write and share your experiences in the work place. What would you like to see happen at your company?


Madeline Frank, Ph.D. is an Amazon.com Best Selling Author, sought after speaker, business owner, teacher, researcher, and concert artist. She helps businesses and organizations "Tune Up their Businesses". Her innovative observations show you the blue prints necessary to improve and keep your businesses successful. She writes a monthly newsletter "Madeline's Monthly Article & Musical Tips" and a monthly radio show "Madeline's One Minute Musical Radio Show". She has just published her new book "Leadership On A Shoestring Budget".

If you need a speaker contact Madeline at: mfrankviola@gmail.com