Daily Lesson from Life 18 March 2009

"Wed, Mar 18, 2009 The Straits Times - The importance of being silly

EVERY workplace could do with a bit of silliness.


All this talk of pay cuts and layoffs is hardly any motivation for the Gen Y group, which many employers already see as a disloyal, self-serving bunch with unrealistic expectations.

Even in the eyes of those with secure jobs, there is a palpable, unspoken fear: 'Will it be my turn next?'


It doesn't take an expert to tell you that this climate has dampened Gen Y's job-hopping tendencies. They are also learning to make do with lower pay, longer working hours and downsized expectations.

But when the economy recovers, it might take more than restored salaries to keep them.

Recruitment agency Kelly Services' senior vice-president for Asia-Pacific Dhirendra Shantilal pointed out that compared to older workers, Gen Y is 'the most high-maintenance generation to ever enter the workforce'.


But because they are also reputably flexible - 'good in multitasking and willing to pick up new skills' - they are also worth keeping because they are an asset to employers.

Mr Shantilal pointed out that to do so, employers need to take note of what motivates them, compared to their predecessors.


'They look for instant recognition, customisation, diversity, freedom and challenges at work,' he said. They tend also to place a high value on interpersonal relationships at work. They thrive on affirmation, so making friends and forging meaningful bonds is important to them.

'To keep them motivated, employers?need to provide regular communication and feedback to younger employees, as well as adequate coaching on their performance,' said Mr Shantilal.


There's also a long-term rationale for them when it comes to managing Gen Y: This group responds well to a convivial corporate culture.

The bonds forged in bad times will also help retain talent in good times. It doesn't take a lot of cash to build a team, but having a cohesive one is priceless.


So how about a spoof news bulletin? Or special days where bosses and subordinates swop positions? Or the odd joke involving a plastic cockroach?"

Is Gen-Y and Gen-X really that different when it comes to the crunch of losing their jobs IF they were at the same age? I don't think so!

Lessons for me:

1. some values are universal and eternal - e.g. respect for people, integrity, sincerity, honesty, etc. Other values are more transient and easier to be influenced by the society they are in. e.g. top dollar for top talents (regardless of integrity!);

2. Gen-Y will be just as devastated if they have the same family and the need to support them when they were laid off as Gen-X! As family, his or her own, is still important to them if they bothered to form one!;

3. Employers with leaders who treat people with respect, integrity, sincerity and honesty will be able to keep the key talents regardless of if they are X- or Y-Gen as these values mattered to them!

While it is important to recognize the differences, let' s not go overboard in making them like one gen is from Venue and one gen is from Mars! There are many common universal values shared by the X- and Y-Gen. If they don't, I will be very worry!!

All the best to the X- and Y-Gen who hang on to their jobs and those who loses theirs.