HR expert urges to cater ‘Generation Y’ to improve workplace performance

By Dulasha Hettiarachchi
A top human resources practitioner recently stressed on the importance of  catering to the needs of ‘Generation Y’ in order to increase and improve performances of workplaces, both public and private. 

“Basic or increased pay does not motivate Generation Y. Increasing salaries does not necessarily increase performance. They also need social media. We must take reality into account,” said Senior Human Resources Specialist at Saudi Investment Bank, Chandrasiri Hewapattini, speaking at the National HR Conference 2015 held recently.

He justified his stance by sharing the most common questions raised by the young generation when recruited for jobs.

“Do you have a media policy? And can I add my boss in Facebook? Do I have to come to work on time? Should I wear shoes to office? This is only a few and the list goes on,” noted Hewapattini, while stating that 80 percent of the new recruits are from the Generation Y.

He urged HR leaders to review their HR practices so as to provide the best working environments for Generation Y, by pointing out that a reward-driven culture would increase organizational performances tremendously.

He further added that perks such as flexible working hours with many more would be very effective in order to make them comfortable and motivate them to perform better. He exemplified his point with work cultures at Google and Starbucks.

 “It isn’t their weakness. We should not try to change them, they are smarter, faster and better. We must adapt ourselves because we are fast becoming a minority in workplaces and if we do not change ourselves our extinction will be faster,” warned Hewapattini.

Latest research shows that informal workplaces lead to increased employee engagement and 18 percent productivity improvement on average. 

Every generation is different. They have different needs. Therefore adapting to these changes is vital because the generation after Generation Y would be unpredictable, said Hewapattini. “There will be exciting times ahead for HR professionals.”