One of the things we at LifeWorkz seek to do for our clients is to alleviate the pain of leading a multi-generational team or organisation. 

Besides helping managers to understand the idiosyncrasies of their Gen Y employees, we also designed a course for Gen Y themselves. It is a crash course on workplace realities, simply called "Welcome to the Workplace".  

One of our clients sent 60 of their new Gen Y employees to this course --- and in a while, I will share with you their brutally honest feedback about this course. But first, allow me to tell you why we designed such a course.

Y Such a Course?

"Welcome to the Workplace" is designed to short-cut the learning process of Gen Ys as they make their transition into the working world. More importantly, it is designed to lessen the management headaches of their supervisors as we educate and orientate them to workplace norms.

You could say it is a 'wake-up call' to graduates who are fresh out of college, polytechnic or university, or anyone who has been in the workplace for a year or less.

But you may ask, "Why do Gen Y fresh grads and employees need such a course? Didn't we get by just fine by finding our way around? After all, nothing quite prepares a person for working life like, well, working life!  Sure, it took a while, but within a few months, we settled in pretty well."

Yes, it is understandable that those of us who have 'been there and done that' would feel this way. But the truth is, Gen Ys are wired differently from the rest of us (though I bet you have already realised that!)  Gen Ys are not like their Gen X predecessors (namely, you and me), who are naturally more independent and did not need or expect such hand-holding in the workplace.

(There are, by the way, perfectly logical historical and social reasons why Gen X and Gen Ys are wired very differently.... To discover these reasons, attend our course "Y U So Like Dat? --- Decoding Gen Y for Managers" on Sept 30th! To register, simply email us!)

Y now, more than ever...

Times have changed, and there are very good reasons why our clients are finding such a course useful for their Gen Y employees and new hires.

Here are some of the reasons: 

• Gen Ys are more vocal than all the generations before them. This, coupled with the latest communication technology at their fingertips, makes them more prone to commit workplace communication faux pas than we were. If you don't believe me, just talk to the horrified manager who spoke to me about her new staff sending an email to the CEO.  The Gen Y staff started his email in a typically friendly and casual 'Gen Y' manner --- "Hi Henry!..."

• Gen Ys are entering the workplace at a time when there are at least 3, if not 4, generations in the workplace. In this larger multi-generational context, they will work alongside a traditionalist who has 'cut short' his retirement, serve a baby boomer client, and report to a Gen X manager who prefers her subordinates to work independently. In such a setting, the young employee needs to understand his boss, co-workers and clients, and realise that not everyone thinks or feels the same way as he does.

• While our education system has equipped them with an education and some skills, Gen Ys need to realise that the workplace isn't like their campus or school. Giving them a dose of reality check does wonders to prepare them psychologically and practically for the workplace.

 
And here's the verdict...

I mentioned earlier that we recently graduated 60 Gen Ys from this course, which we ran in-house for a client in the finance industry. 

Here's the 'verdict' from the Gen Ys themselves after spending an afternoon with us:

• Appreciate your forthrightness and honesty in telling us about workplace realities.
• A helpful introduction to the workplace.
• Thank you for preparing us for reality!!!
• I enjoyed the session and feel more ready for the workplace now.

This particular client has pre-emptlvely reduced their managerial headaches with Gen Ys, but that's not all. By running this course, they have also helped their Gen Ys feel that they are valued as a generation.

Welcome them to the Workplace --- Then send them to us!

Now if you have a large batch of new employees like this particular client, you can have us to conduct this course in-house. But if you don't, you can send your staff to our public run happening on Oct 27.

In just half a day, we will get them up to speed and help them be more 'workplace-ready'.

Through a variety of training methodology, we will help them:

• Realise how the workplace is different from the campus or school
• Understand the multi-generations, so that they can get along with their boss and co-workers.
• Discover workplace norms

The initial investment is really nothing compared to the management headaches you will save yourself --- and your managers.

LifeWorkz - the Gen Y Expert!

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

• LifeWorkz is the preferred Gen Y consultant for a number of organisations and companies. We are trusted in the boardroom and give executive briefings to top management.
• LifeWorkz is widely recognised as the Gen Y Expert. We provide authoritative thought leadership on this issue in Singapore, and in Asia.
• No one but LifeWorkz presents a comprehensive suite of Multi-Generational solutions, with answers to the real-world challenges of managing across the generations.

Simply get in touch with us by emailing Solutions@LifeWorkz.org!

Welcome to the multi-generational workplace!
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!