Excitement, Green Tools & Encouragement: A Fresh Look at the First Days of a New Hire
Continuing our conversation about prepping Gen Y for the workplace, let’s turn to a couple other subjects that are a bit more exciting than employment benefits. After Gen Y’ers receive an offer letter and are content with the conditions, they are most excited about three things: business cards, decorating their office desk, and the first day on the job. (Well, they truly are looking forward to making a difference in your company, but envisioning pictures on their desk come first.)
So let’s look at a few opportunities to engage your Gen Y employee from the get-go.
Social Media & Employee Orientation
In many of the “Social Media Savvy” posts, we’ve discussed the overwhelming role that iPhone applications and social networks play in the lives of Gen Y. Most likely, they’re very eager about their new position at your company and want to shout it from the rooftops — through Twitter. So, why not let them?
My favorite Fistful of Talent blogger/recruiter Jessica Lee posed the same question in her article about a friend who tweeted about his PepsiCo onboarding experience. Instead of making new hires read through the mountainous employee handbook, why don’t you give them a hashtag and talk with them about the perks of working with your organization. Then, they’ll tell their friends and followers about the “great vacation and benefits package that we discussed on Wed.!” (Side note: make sure you give them your wi-fi password before you begin so that they have Internet access).
The “Green” Factor
According to Leslie Guevarra in her Greener Buildings article, Gen Y wants a workplace that reflects their image. One that is “urban, flexible, collaborative, environmentally sensitive and unconventional.” Gen Y wants to have a greener workplace – one that recycles, reuses material, uses energy-efficient lighting and water-saving features. They desire a work environment that helps them reduce their carbon footprint.
If you want to really embrace the green movement and attract passionate Gen Y-ers to your workplace, let those Gen Y employees you already have lead the initiative. Allow them to implement recycling programs and develop employee incentive programs to encourage participation.
Start Recognizing Early
Employee recognition and feedback are highly valued by Gen Y employees and this process should start even on the first day of work. We will broach this subject at a later time, but here is a great idea that was posted on Twitter by Gabrielle Evans, a member of the Global Learning Communications team at Starbucks. Take a look at her picture of a store manager’s idea for encouraging employees’ great performance.
About the Author
Amy Liz Martin is a PR professional whose work centers on social media, media relations, corporate relations, publicity and cause-related PR campaigns. Amy was a fundraiser and event communications chair for the American Cancer Society, ran small development and communications campaigns for the International Center for Journalists, and led social media publicity efforts for artists at EMI CMG Label Group. She earned her master's degree in mass communications/public relations at Louisiana State University and is a member of the Public Relations Society of America.
