Adults complaining about the following generation have been going on for thousands of years. Even Socrates had some comments. So this perspective seems to be normal human nature. When it comes to business, I’m old enough to remember several iterations of consulting companies offering “how differently you need to address the new generation being hired now.” The new generation entering the workforce is somehow “totally different,” and so their particularities need to be catered to for both hiring and retaining them.
For a hundred years there have been slight differences between current workers and new hires in regard to expectations and behaviors. Most of these differences can be summed up by saying: You need to be extra sensitive and lower your expectations.
The latest generational label is Millennials and human resource directors read articles every month about how this generation is so very different than prior few generations. This is nonsense. Recruiting and retaining top talent hasn’t changed, ever. What are some timeless tactics for successful recruiting?
- Outline paths to advancement
- Go over the desirable characteristics of the company and position
- Detail the vision, purpose, and values of the business
- Never permit a slacker or critic in the door (or once discovered, remove immediately)
- Fairly fulfill your promises to employees
While the exact benefits package will slowly shift over time, these 5 tactics will not. Each generation has a wide variety of talent and if you sort for the best then you have a chance of hiring the best. Each generation entering the workforce will trigger a new avalanche of consulting presentations. As long as you stick to the timeless 5 tactics, when the next “totally different generation” comes along, you won’t have to modify to your recruiting program.