Women in Learning and Development

Gen Y’ers are presently making up more than 20% of the work force and the numbers are set to rise.

Are they really that different ?
The question that all Learning and Development professionals are asking themselves…

The answer YES – Generation Y’ers think, learn and expect differently to previous generations .

For the first time all four generations, Veterans (before 1946), Baby boomers (1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1980), and Generation Y(after 1980) are working side by side in todays workforce. They have different attitudes and expectations about their jobs and careers.

Gen Y is increasingly different in some high impact ways and we need to learn how to understand them, we need to ensure we teach them in a way they can respond to and get value from

Gen Y’ers are known in the class room as BRIGHT YOUNG THINGS and have been described as confident, tech savvy, team orientated, high achievers, energetic, quick attention spans and enthusiastic to name but a few.
So how do teaching methods and styles need to change, what do Gen Y’ers respond to and how do they want to be taught.

Gen Y’ers love to learn, train, train and train some more.
They value opportunity and flexibility in approach, interactive class room discussions, learn by doing rather than just listening. They want an end result with a purpose to training, something that they can take away at the end of the session. Teachers/trainers need to appreciate their skills, talents and various back rounds. They do not want to be spoken at for hours on end they want to actively take part in the training session and add value to the session.

“X Factor” Style projects- Panel projects are more interesting and interactive than straight forward written submissions. Working in a team gives them a chance to test their team playing ability and how they work under pressure and time constraints. Asking and answering questions on the spot in front of the panel keeps them challenged and engaged. Gives them a sense of importance and brings an element of fun and excitement to training.

Gen Y’ers have grown up with computers which has had a profound impact on their approach to learning and problem solving. Therefore they are tech savvy and use the internet as their main form of communication/correspondence. Teaching styles using technology and multi media is a great learning tool. Online gaming and simulation websites such as business simulations gives them the opportunity to put into practice what they learnt in the class room, they are able to see real life examples and see how it is done in the work place. Learning using modern technology is stimulating and keeps them engaged for longer periods.

Gen Y’ers demand constant tangible feedback on their progress, they want open honest communication in the class room. They like to be told how they are doing in comparison to their peer group showing their competitive slant. Trainers need to give them direction without making them feel stupid, therefore appreciating their talents and skills.

We need to realise the importance of this demographic and how fundamentally different they are from previous generations. As our work force is more diverse and set to become even more diverse we must all work to better understand them and their needs, wants and values.

Natalie Berg -November 2008
Corporate Training Group
www.ctguk.com