The other day an invitation landed on my desk from a local recruiting firm.  It was for a panel discussion on how to recruit and retain the diverse and ambitious Generation Y (born between 1977 and 1994).  Most of our SQBox team falls into the Gen Y category and they are indeed a dynamic bunch: creative, loyal, intelligent, highly motivated.

Studies indicate that Gen Y (and most ppl I imagine) have the following on their top wish list for employment

Work/life balance
To be heard and valued
Regular recognition
Work in a fun atmosphere
Motivated by challenge and a collaborative environment

During the audience participation of the panel discussion, it occurred to me that Gen Y was getting a bad rap based on an inflated expectation of salaries and career advancement.  In hard economic times, it’s harder to dish out bonuses and annual salary increases, but there are other ways to leverage your employees and get a lot of ROI out of your talent pool. 

At Intranet Connections we live and breathe by the KISS principle.  I like simplicity and use it in just about every aspect of my business.  The same holds true for motivating your employees, even the enterprising Gen Y.  As it turns out, it can be pretty simple.

What motivates my employees is being involved in all aspects of the company and software. I encourage a collaborative atmosphere and everyone’s opinion is taken into account.  We move forward and grow as a team.  We had an opportunity recently to advertise through a New York publishing firm, and I asked everyone to have a look at the ad brought in for my review.  My lead software developer has no marketing experience, but has a good eye for detail and made some excellent suggestions.  A new employee came up with an interesting idea for the publication.  We didn’t go with it, but I will remember that he showed strength in creativity. 

If you allow opportunities, people may bring to the table a diverse knowledge and an interesting perspective to make your company really shine.  Look to them for ideas in how to bring about opportunity or new revenue streams in difficult times. Gen Y is driven by social networking and viral word-of-mouth.  They are the future of mobile computing.  They can help you to build a stronger business.

Some of the things I work at …

Creating a warm, fun, friendly environment
Socializing with my employees
Rewarding them for performance
Open to flex time as long as the work gets done
Giving them a voice that is heard and valued
Opportunity for mentoring others
Sharing in the company success

At one time or another, I’m sure some of my team wonders if they could do what I do.  I say great, all the better!  It shows they have passion about the company and our customers; that they take ownership and care about their jobs and peers.  Without their ambition, exuberance, hard work, loyalty and commitment, my company would not have enjoyed the success it has over the past decade.

I am part of Generation X and my four year old son is Generation Z.  Who knows what that generation will require for motivation.  It will be exciting to see how the future unfolds and how technology and social media will play a part.  For now, my motivation is being surrounded by outstanding people who can join me in creating something unique and special. 

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Tags: From the CEO