Gen-X Friendly Workplace

(Continued from previous Page) skills. Additionally, have people work in dyads, where one team member helps another on a project to build internal working relationships. Finally, allow the teams to self-manage. After all, you hired them because of their expertise, so let them put that expertise to work and see the Project through from beginning to end. The more you allow your Gen-X emPloYees to be a part of the team and to participate as equals, the more likelY they'll be to stay at your company.

4. guild a strong corporate communtcatlon process.

In most companies there's no open debate, and employees are alwaYs "watching their back." They know that if they say something out of turn, they are going to get projects they don't want or they'll get dinged on their performance review. Granted, some companies have attempted to create an environment of open communication, but when employees do speak their mind, the company doesn't listen.

Gen-Xers refuse to tolerate such an environment. They know it's hard to be productive and motivated when trying to always "watch your back." And while previous generations tolerated office politics and egocentric executives, Gen-Xers respond by sending out resumes and seeking employment elsewhere.

Therefore, to retain Gen-Xers, You need to encourage debate and opposite opinion. Get people to open uP, discuss problems, and express opinions. Then, put in the processes so the ideas and opinions get acted upon.

Equally important is to create an environment of instant feedback. Rather than force people to wait for for days, weeks or until the yearly performance review, communicate regularly. Give updates on ideas that were generated, projects that were worked on, and anything else that impacts the company or employee. Just as GenXers like to text message their friends because it offers instant communication, they expect the same communication speed from their managers.

The New Generation of Change

The number of small businesses is growing, and Gen-Xers are starting to realize that smaller companies offer more in the way of opportunity, job fulfillment, and job satisfaction. As such, Gen-Xers are giving up the larger paychecks that large comPanies offer for a smaller company that is more aligned with their values.

The world is changing at warp speed, and Gen-Xers are at the soul of that change. So if your company is to survive long-term, you must change and become Gen-Xer friendly-now!

- Deanne DeMarco is an author, speaker and corporate trainer. She can be reached at (866) 912-6224 or at www. deannedemarco.com.