Who are the xenials?
People born between 1977 and 1985 are commonly assigned to the xenial generation. This micro-generation is the connecting element between millennials and Generation X. Xenials combine the humor and performance of Generation X with the effort and optimism of today's millennials. This generation lived an “analog” childhood, but quickly adapted digital technologies into their lives in adolescence or early adulthood.
How do xenials work?
The potential of xenials is really great in the work process, and yet very often underappreciated. Here are the basic reasons to start putting more emphasis on working with xenials:
Xenials are highly adaptive
Xenials were born at the dawn of modern technology. They grew up with cassettes, CD players and MP3 players. The development around them fell by leaps and bounds, and they adapted to it without difficulty. They are therefore very adaptive, able to think abstractly and are not afraid to find new novel solutions.
Xenials are team players
Xenials grew up in a collective, spending their time with peers of the same age. Due to this, they have highly developed social abilities and enjoy working in a team. They get along with both Generation X and Millennials.
Xenials like to learn
Let's face it, Generation X often adheres very strictly to their previously learned practices. Millennials, on the other hand, are too self-absorbed and do not listen to others. Xenials have strong opinions but are open to coaching at the same time. They have no problem making compromises and are happy to hear the opinions of others.
Xenials know the real work-life balance
Unlike the youngest current generation, xenials do not spend hours with their smartphone in hand. They know how important it is to make time for their hobbies, which translates positively into their productivity.
Xenials can be great intergenerational mediators
Generation X has a hard time understanding millennials, but they mostly understand xenials. Xenials, on the other hand, know how to deal with millennials. Because this micro-generation understands both sides, it can work brilliantly as an intermediary between the workers of these different generations.
How to manage xenials in your company?
Age diversity in the workplace does not guarantee success. However, if you pay close attention to all the generations represented in your team, you are on the right track. Here are some tips on how to work with microgeneration of xenials:
Avoid Stickers
Managers shouldn't talk about generational differences. Instead, they should approach each worker individually. Xenials will appreciate if you emphasize the value of teamwork, open communication and cooperation.
Establish common goals and values
The shared values that employees will share across departments will bring a positive mood to the workplace and motivate cooperation with each other. Xenials will appreciate setting common values because they will help them build trust across generations.
Offer equal opportunities for everyone
Career growth and promotion opportunities should be based on skills and merit, not length of employment or personal ties. Xenials are open and fair workers and expect the same approach from their employer.
Evaluate employees according to their job performance
Avoid evaluating employees by the generation to which they belong. Xenials are an intergenerational generation who are able to understand almost everyone and therefore appreciate if their work is judged by the results and the value they bring to society.
Take advantage of modern technology
Xenials like modern technologies, they know how to handle them and therefore expect to be able to use them in their work as well. Remote collaboration, shared calendars, and the use of Office 365 productivity tools are all part of your workflow.
Digitize
Do not burden your staff with the rush of administrative work, use modern software solutions for automating repetitive processes.
Properly selected HR software will help you manage all generations of workers
In order for HR managers to have enough time to master the management of xenials and the next generations that work in your company, you need to free your hands from routine administration. Therefore, in order to properly manage people, it is essential to involve a software solution that automates and digitizes company processes. Personnel software perfectly copes with this challenge Pinya HR. Try out its handy features on a non-binding basis and free of charge through a demo. Request access to the demo simply via the web form and improve care for workers of all generations.
