In a world where Millennials are taught that “everyone’s a winner” and no one loses, instant gratification in information and entertainment is provided via the Internet, and students learn to work on homework while listening to their iPod and gossiping on Facebook Chat, it’s no wonder why Generation Y is facing strife in the workplace. It’s time to wake up and smell the Starbucks, Gen Y, because with the current jobless rate hovering around 10%, we need to change some of our attitudes or we might find ourselves throwing a pity pink slip party or not getting a job at all.
Even as I write this, the Gen Y in me is creeping up and saying, “I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings!” and I’m tempted to reassure myself and my Gen Y readers how awesome we still are. But we may have to let go some of the need for constant reassurance. In this blog, I will focus on what Gen Y can do to improve work performance while relying on our inherent traits and actions, but stepping outside of our comfort zones and adopting some other generation-approved behaviors.
Dress like you’re going to work, not the Katy Perry concert. OK, OK, so maybe choosing not to dress like older generations isn’t just specific to Gen Y behavior. Weren’t our parents mocked for having hair like the Beatles and dressing “like a hippie”? But the rule of erring on the side of conservative is still optimal to follow. Subconsciously, you may not be taken as seriously if you show up to work wearing flip-flops or leggings, so make it a point to stay away from too-comfortable and too-trendy clothing.
We get it. You’re a great multitasker. Now focus. In this day and age, it is imperative in many job settings to be a great multitasker. Gen Y certainly knows how to multitask. But just like when we were in school and thought we could write a term paper while listening to Justin Timberlake’s new album on repeat and then getting a “C” on the paper because we lacked focus (not implying Justin’s music lacks focus, of course!), we might not put out the best quality at work if we don’t remain focused on the specific task at hand. Don’t be tempted to talk on the phone while sending an important e-mail, and don’t preoccupy yourself with responding to a text message if you’re working on a deadline.
Fixing a lack of focus can also be applied to your job search. Know the type of work you want and start
deconstructing your job targets. Have your
resume clearly tailored to the type of job you want; don’t just use a general resume.
Get over instant gratification and yourself: don’t expect a promotion just because you meet job expectations. Oh, Gen Y, I know where these expectations stem from. I remember hearing about the call your Mom placed to school because Teacher didn’t “let you” pass the class. I was there when we all got awards for being “Special Readers” in Kindergarten even though some of us couldn’t read. In the real world, not “everyone’s a winner,” especially instantaneously. Many of our parents worked in the same position at the same company for tens of years without any expectation that they would be given a promotion unless they did something outstanding. I’m not here to argue the merits of not wanting to be promoted, or not being ambitious about your future; but I am here to argue that you shouldn’t expect recognition, a promotion, or a raise just because you show up to work more or less on time every day and meet work requirements in designated tasks. Try to think of ways to make yourself more valuable to your company and your manager; think about exceeding expectations, not merely achieving them, and about ways to make the work environment more efficient. It might also be wise to not “go public” with your goal of promotion, due to
recent findings by psychologists, in which those who kept their aspirations private actually did the hard work needed to achieve that goal. However, employers notice people who ask for and handle added responsibility.
Again, this can extend to your job search. By now, some of you may have realized to not instantly expect a job without some hard, focused work. Don’t just go to job boards and expect that uploading your resume will get you the job—put some effort into creating a 30-second advertisement about yourself, networking, customizing your resume per the job description, researching companies, and maybe training with a
job coach In many job settings, Gen Y is working side-by-side with Gen X peers and Baby Boomers. We might encounter Gen Xers who prefer an independent work approach and Baby Boomers who value face-time. I will discuss some of the other ways we can adapt to our generational differences in the workplace in a later blog; but for now, realize that some of your workplace peers might view you as a stereotypical Millennial. Many workplace environments value your technological savvy, your teamwork skills, and your desire to be personally connected to your job, but some work peers might find you scattered, needy, and lacking loyalty. Balance your behavior to find success in the workplace.