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May in Indianapolis means graduation, racing, primaries and full-on spring. This year, we also honor the passing of Sen. Richard Lugar, who is widely respected for his ability to reach across the aisle and work with others. As we engage our community’s young people and growing professionals, may we take inspiration from him to work with others and make room for others to join us in succeeding.
To the graduating class of 2019 as you enter the workforce:
We don’t have all the answers, and neither do you. Over time, we figure things out, and so will you.
The workforce you join is one that is ever-evolving and imperfect. Each of your new co-workers brings with them the same experiences you’re about to have. They each had first-day jitters, awkward encounters, a learning curve with office equipment—it’s OK for you to have them also.
The relationships you make in the workplace should come from a place of shared commitment to the work and the outcomes and respect for one another. Worry less about making friends and focus instead on being relationship-driven. Establish opportunities to learn from one another and commit to giving your best in all that you do. And last, enjoy the journey for the good and the bad.
To the employers of the class of 2019:
As we prepare to welcome our graduates into the workplace, let’s welcome them and not haze them into service. The workplace is better for the richness of intergenerational dialogue and interaction, but we’ve done an awful job of embracing our newest generations over the years.
When Gen Xers arrived in the workplace, they brought with them Microsoft Office, specifically PowerPoint, which forever changed the way we present information professionally. When millennials arrived, they brought massive multitasking skills and energy to just get stuff done. Gen Zers are slowly trickling in and bringing with them an entrepreneurial spirit and app-based efficiencies to allow work to get done wherever the worker is. Is change really that bad?
With the unemployment rate at an extreme low, more jobs are open. Turnover rates are high, prompting companies to work to understand retention tactics at a level of urgency that has yet to be seen.
So, why do we have the habit of “breaking in” our new hires? Or, giving them the “trial by fire” experience when they arrive? Many millennials that I speak with regularly either brag about how awesome their onboarding was or complain about how challenging their culture is to infiltrate.
Seasoned professionals, I have a request—that we do better. I’d like to offer a few simple steps to help our newbies feel more welcome, more interested in being a contributor, and not defeated upon entry:
◗ Remember what your first day was like and what challenges you faced. If the challenge still exists, do your best to clear a path, or go down the path with your new hire.
◗ Identify people who would be good peers for your new grad and set up time for them to meet. Younger generations are very social and tend to want to build community where they work. This is extremely important.
◗ Create an environment where it’s safe to be transparent, ask questions and feel valued.
By working together to welcome and engage our newest grads, we have the opportunity to build stronger companies and a stronger community.•
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Slash is a diversity and inclusion consultant in the health care industry and is president of The Exchange at the Indianapolis Urban League.Send comments to ibjedit@ibj.com.
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