Young workers may behave in a different way but they are by no means less capable or less focused as some employers think.
A human resource manager shared these observations with Hong Kong Economic Journal Monthly.
“They are often more outspoken and eager to express their views and ideas,” Ivy Lau of Hong Kong Broadband Network said.
Comparatively, the older generation typically listens to what their bosses say and largely follow their instructions.
Born into the internet era, millennials are used to quick access to information and that somewhat defines their traits.
“They want instant feedback on whether they are doing a good job, whether their supervisors appreciate their work,” Lau said.
“These young people also tend to hope for quick rewards in terms of promotion or fresh learning opportunities.”
Another thing that sets young people apart from their elders is their willingness to help the disadvantaged.
“They are more enthusiastic about being volunteers in social projects, whereas more mature workers rarely share such compassion and choose instead to focus on their work only,” Lau said.
Such attributes may present challenges to some bosses but Lau prefers to look at these traits positively.
“Eagerness to express means they have their own ideas. Demand for instant feedback shows how much they value efficiency. Caring for the underprivileged reflects their social responsibility.”
Lau said employers should appreciate these traits rather than imposing old values on young people.
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