Robert Rosell, Quality Media Resources

There are many reasons to be enthusiastic about the new generation now entering the workplace. Generation Y (also known as Gen Y, Millennials, Gen Why, Net Generation, Echo Boomers…) are smart, adaptable, energetic, skilled and eager to make their mark. At the same time, these young people do things differently and enter the world of employment with great expectations and a culture that may be unfamiliar to many of us.

As the father of two Gen Y young adults, I have had the privilege and challenge of observing this rising generation up close. Understanding their use of language has taken some adjustment. If something is 'filthy', that’s good. If you want to complement someone, just tell them their clothes are 'sick'. They use a shorthand in text messaging that’s completely foreign to me.

The new generation of employees is well educated and technologically savvy. They are better able to get along in a diverse, global world than any generation that has come before. They grew up with friends and neighbors from all over the world speaking many different languages. They believe everyone should have his/her place at the table regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation – or age. They get diversity.

This isn’t a generation that puts much value on experience or hierarchy. They are impatient to start applying what they know and they’re not terribly concerned about what they don’t know. There’s a logical reason for this. They grew up with digital technology—most importantly, the Internet. They believe they can learn whatever they need to know very quickly. They also understand that how things get done will constantly change. Therefore, having much experience with how things 'were' done isn’t as valuable to them as being able to anticipate and adjust to how things “will be” done.

Generation Y is poised to make a VERY big impact on the world. For one thing, there are a lot of them. They have already transformed global entertainment (YouTube, iTunes, video games), communication (cell phones, text messaging), and fashion. Business and how work gets done is next.

To help organizations better understand what’s ahead and to prepare for the task of engaging, inspiring and productively channeling the energies of these new employees, we have created AWESOME!, a 2-part video-based training program. Part 1, "A New Generation @ Work”, presents 24 Gen Y employees from a wide range of occupations—Fire/EMS is included—who share what makes them tick. Part 2, "Engaging Gen Y”, introduces organizational leaders who discuss their views on how to help Millennials succeed.

For more information, visit: www.qmr.com/products/awesome/.