Challenges of Transforming Human Resources at Novartis
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Members of Generation Y are often referred to as “echo boomers” because they are the children of parents born during the baby boom (the “baby boomers”). Because children born during this time period have had constant access to technology (computers cell phones) in their youth, they have required many employers to update their hiring strategy in order to incorporate updated forms of technology. Also called millennial, echo boomers, internet generation, I Gen, net generation.(
In the workplace, Gen Y tends to favour an inclusive style of management, dislike slowness, and desire immediate feedback about performance (Francis-Smith, 2004). It is a truly global generation, socially conscious and volunteer-minded, and positioned to be the most demanding generation. If treated professionally, it is likely to act professionally. Gen Y is likely to perform best when its abilities are identified and matched with challenging work that pushes it fully. Speed, customization, and interactivity – two-way non-passive engagement – are likely to help keep Gen Y focused (Martin and Tulgan, 2004). Technically able, highly informed and confident, but lacking direction, Gen Y is more likely to “rock the boat” than any prior generation (Johns, 2003).
The difference in responding the Gen Y and Gen X
to recruit and retain people from these two generations, then we surely need to understand what makes them tick in a working environment- ten different workplace differences between the X and Y generations that we should all take note of:
1. Preferred style of leadership
X – only competent leaders will do
Y – collaboration with management is expected
2. Value of Experience
X – dont tell me where you have been, show me what you know
Y – experience is irrelevant, as the world is changing so fast
3. Autonomy
X – give them direction, and then leave them to it
Y – questions, questions, questions
4. Feedback
X – expect regular feedback
Y – need constant and immediate feedback
5. Rewards
X – freedom is the ultimate reward
Y – money talks
6. Training
X – want to continually learn, if they dont they will leave