Y-Size Your Business: How Gen Y Employees Can Save You Money and Grow Your Business

by Jason Ryan Dorsey

In today's economy, maximizing the performance of every employee is critical to business survival and growth. Gen Y--sometimes called Millennials--provides an enticing opportunity for employers to increase their short-term profitability and create a long-term competitive advantage. Almost 80 million strong, Gen Y is the fastest growing segment in the US workforce--and now comprises the entire 18 to 32 demographic. Along with their ever-present cell phone and occasional backpack, Gen Y brings tremendous potential and timely skills to the workplace (just ask, they'll tell you). However, Gen Y can be notoriously difficult to attract, retain, motivate, and develop. Gen Y's new approach to work makes them a growing challenge or strategic opportunity--depending entirely on how you choose to employ them. In Y-Size Your Business, Jason Ryan Dorsey, The Gen Y Guy, presents a step-by-step methodology for best employing Gen Y without investing a lot of time or money. A member of Gen Y himself he delivers an insider's view of his generation as well as more than fifty cost-effective, ready-to-use strategies that deliver immediate measurable results. Dorsey collected these creative strategies from the frontlines of business during his work with executives, managers, and entrepreneurs in businesses large and small around the world. He shows you exactly how to attract the best Gen Y employees, quickly develop their workplace skills, and then unlock their performance, motivation, and loyalty.Reveals creative ways to attract, retain, motivate, and develop Gen Y employees without paying them more money (or meeting their Mom) Includes a behind-the-scenes view of Gen Y from someone in Gen Y (including why they text message without vowels) Explains the primary workplace differences between the four generations and how to leverage their strengths Features funny, outrageous, and candid stories that expose the generation gap in the office (Is that a tattoo?) Helps you view the Gen Y employee life cycle and key business operations in a new way--one you can use to your business and career advantage Companies that wisely choose to embrace Gen Y today will be well positioned to navigate the global economy tomorrow. Not only will these companies benefit from the talents and ambitions of Gen Y--they'll also benefit from Gen Y's increasing economic influence as well as their massive social networks. Based on Dorsey's work with business leaders at companies around the world, as a keynote speaker, consultant, and generational expert, Y-Size Your Business presents precisely the solutions you need to make the most of an increasingly important generation that is ready to make an impact from their first day at work (and then blog about it!).

Genres: Business

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 3, 2009

Reviews

[Avolyn Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who is Gen Y and why do they matter? Gen Y carries varying definitions depending on the source but is generally defined as anyone born between 1978-1995. Those who were born within 5 years of the cutoff dates might find that they identify with a different generation, but that is roughly how this age group is defined. Gen Y matters because they are the fastest growing segment of our workforce. Yes, of course they are our future, as every generation of children has been defined, but they are also the present. They are right now. At this very moment Gen Y is entering the workforce in larger numbers than any other generation. They are more educated than any generation before them and they have vastly different expectations as to what they want from an employer and what their career will look like.

Gone are the days of working at one company for 40 years and then retiring with a service plaque and a gold watch. However, that is not to say that Gen Y is not loyal if they feel a connection to their employer and they believe in what they are doing. How are we going to bridge the widest generational gap in the workplace that the US has ever seen? Well, this book outlines a plan of action to help guide us through these uncharted waters. Within the pages of this book you will find tons of information on how to effectively attract, engage, and retain Gen Y. You will also learn how to bridge generational gaps and smooth any bumps along the way as the Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y all learn to work together and adapt to the changes in employee demographics.

I would put this at the top of your list of books to read for 2014 and look out for any other material relating to Gen Y and business. This topic is only going to become more and more relevant as employers realize what's at stake if they do not adapt to this next generation.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairly quick and engaging read for anyone who employs or works with millennial employees (roughly aged 21 to 38). This generation has gotten a great deal of bad press, but the author makes the argument that this generation can be a real asset and strength for any business if it is handled deftly. Plenty of research supports several of the authors suggestions and he writes in a very informal, light-hearted manner. He recognizes the frustrations that older generations have with Gen Y and doesn't make excuses or suggest that older generations are out of step. Rather, he seeks to present solutions to maximize the ways the generations can work together. I've also heard the author speak twice and he is a very engaging speaker. Definitely a recommended read for anyone who has to hire, manage and retain employees in this age range.

[John Drawdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe I waited 13 years to read this. Despite waiting 13 years I believe almost everything in this book is still relative and is relevant to Gen Z now.

The best thing about it, although the humor is pretty funny, is the absolute avalanche of practical ideas. I’m often disappointed in books like these because they’re a lot of theory and no action. This book is so full of inexpensive and implementable ideas I can implement new things for years. I listened on Audible, but then purchased the physical copy for ease of reference in checking off these ideas.

So when does “Z Size Your Business” come out?

[Casandra Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

It give insight into the minds of our millennials and explains why so many of them have conflict with older generations in the workplace. With that being said, the techniques shared to get the most out of them made me want to never hire another millennial again. Most companies don’t have time for that sort of coddling and hand-holding.

[Jody Hultman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is worth the read in order to understand the generational differences, especially in the workplace, but I couldn't go over three stars for one huge reason: the author states, "I don't believe we should cater to Generation Y...." and then spends the entire book describing ways to cater to Generation Y. Some of it is useful (checking with employees on their opinion on how things are going- good management) and some things are over the top (let them bring their mom to work).

I'd like to see this from the other side- teaching Generation Y a more practical approach to business and a more improved work ethic.

[Juank · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent tool for manager to get insights about managing gen Y people to get the best from them.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice insight into the y generation (and other generations).

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great concepts on how to attract and retain talent.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best book I have read to date on Gen Y, how to recruit them as employees and how to keep them engaged. Many practical stories, best practices and online resources. And the author is a Gen Y.