For many months now, our Gen Y programme has been very well received by managers. One common question we get is, "Can all my staff attend this course too?"

These people managers are indicating that generational diversity is not just a managerial issue, but a teamwork issue. They are affirming what we at LifeWorkz have recognised for a long time: That it's not only the managers who need to understand and manage Gen Y --- but also everyone on the team who works with them!

Why the fuss over Gen Y?

Why does everyone need to understand Gen Y? Well, to put it mildly, Gen Ys are rocking the workplace with their entrance. This bout of turbulence comes unexpectedly for senior staff who handled the entry of Gen X employees some 10 to 15 years ago. In fact, the way they remember it, there wasn't much to 'handle'. The Gen Xers came, learned the ropes, paid their dues, and eventually made it to middle management.  

Not so for this new generation of employees called Gen Y. The first thing that stands out, of course, is that Gen Ys tend to be more vocal. Whereas Gen Xers sought to understand the way things were done, Gen Ys are a lot more vocal in voicing their disdain for workplace norms, and can be nonchalant about breaking those norms (much to the chagrin of their older colleagues, some of whom have spent years setting up, enforcing and abiding by those rules!)

Same team, different planets?

Another reason why Gen Ys are so different from the rest of us is the speed of change over the last two decades, brought about by the turbo-charged evolution of technology and the Internet. Because of the speed of technological change and the many lifestyle applications it brings, Gen Ys have grown up almost on a different planet entirely.

Do you remember...

• The typewriter? The telex? Most have never seen it.
• Huge handphones that had an antenna sticking out of it, which could be used to knock somebody on the head? They can't imagine such a thing.
• Public phones? They have never had to use one.

Now imagine this breed of people – who grew up on an entirely different planet -- entering our workplace. They look at our organisational charts, cubicles and desktop computers with a mix of curiosity and disdain. (Ever wonder what we look like --- through their eyes? Come find out!)

 
How will this course help my team to get along?

Every generation views workplace events through their own lens. Through a unique sociological approach, LifeWorkz helps each generation to understand their own uniqueness and why they are the way they are – and why Gen Ys aren't the way they are.

So instead of asking 'Y U So Like Dat?', participants walk away with a greater awareness of generational diversity – and a greater appreciation of the strengths and uniqueness of Gen Ys.  

Isn't this pigeon-holing people?

Far from it! Because we provide a sociologically-sound, research-driven answer to the question 'Y U So Like Dat?', organisations are finding that this course facilitates understanding, builds empathy and promotes cross-generational communication and teamwork.

Generational Diversity is here to stay!

Here's a reality check: Gen Ys are here to stay. In fact, there will be more and more of them, because the universities and schools are churning them out by the thousands every year! So there is no running way from this issue of generational diversity in the workplace.

What then are your options? You can:

• Ignore the fact that Gen Ys are affecting workplace dynamics
• Close your eyes to the fact that they are upsetting other team members
• Decide not to employ any more Gen Ys, and lose out on their unique contributions
• Or you can get your team to understand and manage the issue as it is – an issue of generational diversity.

Get up to speed --- or get left behind!

To help you get your team up to speed quickly on this new phenomenon that is literally changing the workplace and the way we work, LifeWorkz has designed this crash course on generational diversity and understanding Gen Y.

In just half a day, your team will finally be understand their Gen Y co-workers, know how to communicate and work with them, and how to get the best from Gen Y.

LifeWorkz – Asia's Gen Y Expert!

Which training provider would you trust to bring you on this learning journey? In other words, why LifeWorkz?

• The Straits Times has acknowledged LifeWorkz as the 'Gen Y expert' and the 'go-to' people for Gen Y issues (The Straits Times, “Gen Y gets down to work”, 3 Feb 2009). We provide authoritative thought leadership on this issue in Singapore and in Asia.

• LifeWorkz is the preferred Gen Y consultant for a number of government agencies and companies. We are trusted in the boardroom and give executive briefings to top management.

• LifeWorkz is the expert speaker on the Gen Y issue in the Asian Business Forum (Jan 2009), the HR conference (April 2009), and the “Gen Y: Attracting, Developing & Retaining Your New Age Employees" Conference (October 2009).

Need we say more? Simply register by emailing us at Solutions@LifeWorkz.org!

Stop asking 'why', start learning 'how'!
Cheryl

Invite Cheryl Liew-Chng to speak at your organization!

Need a speaker for your company event? Need cutting-edge training for your staff? With the LifeWorkz team, there is never a dull moment! Contact LifeWorkz today!

All our programmes can be conducted in-house and customized for your organization.

Or you can send your staff for an open or 'public' programme when it is available.

Either way, email us today at Solutions@LifeWorkz.org to indicate your interest!