Anastasiya Olds

Statistics and Challenges

Many articles these days discuss the significant number of young people, sometimes called millennials, entering the workforce and how they are different from any other generation. A common desire among this new generation of workers is their need for a workplace that is both dynamic and meaningful. They are also known to acclimate to work environments differently than older workers and are eager to switch jobs at a more frequent rate. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and Forbes magazine, roughly 50% of the U.S. workforce will be millennials by 2020.

There are challenges in retaining and motivating younger employees, and considering that they are entering the workforce at a high rate, there should be a way to address these issues. One possible solution is to provide a dedicated resource to support millennials during their first few years out of college. Companies should understand that millennials have a different approach to work and find a way to tailor training programs for them.

Despite the fact that many universities nowadays provide a basic introduction to office environments, millennials are still underprepared to enter the workforce. Some basic examples of this lack of preparation can be replying all on an email to the whole company, realizing months later that there was a call transfer feature for the office phone, or not knowing about educational opportunities that are offered by the firm. These issues might seem trivial to a seasoned employee who has been at a firm for several years, but not to a millennial that has never had to deal with these things. Also, millennials look for groups to collaborate, socialize, and connect with. It is a lot harder to ask a senior leader a question about a corporate environment than to ask the same thing from a peer. But where would they go to find these peers?

Solution: Onboarding Platform

Millennials that come straight from the classroom are different than those with previous work experience. They are still looking to identify their brand and a career path. Thus, they would benefit from support groups with resources and events dedicated to helping them make a smooth transition from a classroom mindset to a corporate mindset. Through networking events, internal development webinars, and volunteer activities millennials will feel connected to the firm. These activities will help them find new networks and resources, learn about opportunities within the company, and understand the firm's culture. Having a platform like this will lead to a smoother and faster onboarding process, which has the potential for higher employee retention. Since millennials would have some involvement in the company’s processes from day one, they would gain the sense of ownership and purpose that they highly value. The benefits to millennials and the companies they work for would be innumerable.

YRichmond invited interns to meet Mark Fernandes, Chief Leadership Officer of Luck Companies, who gave a presentation on Core Values at Luck Stone facility. Though the vivid examples he explained that everyone has a potential and can be successful. It is all about the right environment. First, you have to acknowledge your values, and then work with them towards your dream job. Matching your perception with the values of the company, where you commit to spend 40, 60 or 80 hours a week, is crucial.  Mark worked with the guests through the actual values exercise which helped to discover what motivates you as an individual and how your values will help you attain your career goals.

Additionally, Mark mentioned if you need another person to be in compliance with you, it is important to ask questions. It will help to lead the conversation, and it is much more effective then demanding to take your side. CEOs and mangers do not like to be bossed around! Another simple takeaway is – “see to understand.” Try to observe opponent's point of view and the reasoning behind it.

The conversation with Mark felt comfortable and left a great impression. He is definitely a wise mentor!

What a unique experience we had during last night's sushi rolling class at Kobe Japanese Steaks and Sushi with YRichmond! It is a two-store building with a Hibachi space on a lower level. The place was loud and fun. The tables were preset with wasabi and ginger, soy sauce dish, and chopsticks. We were given rice and seaweed sheet, and that's when the action began. First roll was California, which has crab, avocado, and cucumber. The chief explained the whole process step by step, starting with spreading the rice ball over the seaweed. When all the ingredients were in place, we had to roll it, and then press it with the bamboo placemat.  After glancing on your creation, you had to pass it to the chief so he could cut it in pieces. The most delicious Cali Roll I've ever had (and I don't usually order it because it's too generic)! We repeated same actions on Firecracker Roll (tuna, scallions, and Japanese hot pepper on top), and Chicken Teriyaki one. Honestly, the last roll wasn't my favorite, but it definitely worth trying.  At the end of our delicious meal, chiefs generously offered sake-bombs! After synchronized "Kanpai," everyone slammed the tabletop and sake cup dropped into the beer glass. It was a great finale of an exciting evening. 

According to Wikipedia, “The modern game golf originated in Scotland, where the first written record of golf is James II's banning of the game in 1457, as an unwelcome distraction to learning archery.” Thankfully to YRichmond and Hunting Hawk Golf Range, yesterday many interns had a chance to play it for the first time. Packed with clubs, balls, and tees, we got into the golf cart, driving to our first area. Despite of a hot Richmond weather, it was fun to practice club swings and learn the difference between them on the golf course.  Let me tell you that it is nothing like Wii® Golf! Maybe I hit the grass couple of times and maybe my ball went to the bushes, yet I still had some good shots. After the 9-hole tournament, everybody gathered for an outside dinner and conversations.

The afternoon of June 26, 2012 was highlighted with an incredible presentation on Personal Presence hosted by SnagaJob. But what does it mean? Aaron Anderson from the Frontier Project artistically explained that it is a combination of body language, tone of voice, and ability to be an active listener here and now, at the present moment. By inviting two volunteers from the audience he humorously demonstrated the importance of feet position during dialogue. The four main positions are: competitive, cooperative, corner, and independent.

The first one, competitive, occurs when two people are facing each other, when all parts of the body from shoulders to feet are in confrontation of the opponents’. You can use it when trying to establish your dominance.

 If you need collaboration from the person (think of a car salesman who needs a signed contract), you should use cooperative style, when your feet are in parallel.

 Corner style is good for discussions. This style makes both people feel comfortable and relaxed. Observe people at a bus stop talking to each other, you will be surprised.  

 Aaron expressed the independent style through the representation of a cafeteria table at school, when one person faces one way and the other faces the opposite way, but does not sit directly in front of the first person (two women in the picture). This way both people have personal space.

 Additionally, Mr. Anderson stressed the importance of eye contact. Being an active listener involves eye contact, not a creepy staring, but a soft eye contact. Listen behind the words for core values, that way you can gain respect. Another insightful knowledge is mirroring. Pay attention to a speaker's gestures and poses. If he or she keeps their hands crossed, do the same. This knowledge will help you gain trust. Repeating poses a couple of times will even help you to lead the next moves. 

Main takeaways are:

1.       There are no rules on holding your hands during the conversation. You have to be comfortable when you talk to a person or give presentation. Do not force yourself. Forget that crossing your hands or putting them in pockets is a bad habit.

2.       You need to have authenticity and to find middle ground between being scared to show off and talking too much.

3.       Keep in mind that body language and tone of voice play a big role, even during very formal conversations and presentations.

Aaron suggested practicing these rules until it comes naturally and becomes your authenticity.

Besides the amazing presentation, interns were able to observe the creative SnagaJob building! It is full of colors, quotations on the walls, and different playgrounds, such as a slide from the second floor to the first. Some of my fellow YRichmond interns tried it in action and liked it a lot.

June 22, 2012