Material Handling Distributors discuss Generation Y workers.
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Press Release Summary:
In its 3rd Quarter issue, The MHEDA Journal Online features articles about recruiting, retaining, engaging, and training young talent. Nine material handling distributors across North America tell how they go beyond product training to integrate Millennials (Generation Y workers) into their companies. Article specifically focuses on what talents and challenges Millennials present, how companies can incorporate these individuals' strengths, and how to improve their weaknesses.
Original Press Release:
Culture Training Young Talent In A Material Handling Distributorship
The MHEDA Journal spoke to distributors to find out how they integrate Generation Y.
Dewitt, NY: The MHEDA Journal Online (http://www.TheMhedaJournal.org), is the leading online magazine for the forklift, conveyor, storage & handling, and general material handling equipment industries. The 3rd Quarter issue of the magazine is online now and features articles about recruiting, retaining, engaging and training young talent. The MHEDA Journal spoke with nine material handling distributors across North America about how they are going beyond product training to integrate Millennials into their companies
For the first time ever, there are four generations in the workforce at the same time. Members of the Silent Generation, born between 1925 and 1945, and the Baby Boomers (1946-1964) haven't yet retired, while Generation X (1965-1979) and Generation Y (1980-2000) are now well-represented in the workforce. Whenever a new generation enters the work force, it brings a new set of strengths and weaknesses. As Generation Y, also known as Millennials, are hired, what talents and challenges do they present? How do companies incorporate these individuals' strengths and improve their weaknesses?
"These young employees come in and they adapt extremely quickly to the electronic computer-controlled systems. They are able to pick up on laptop troubleshooting and diagnostics in a timeline that is much faster than the generation that preceded them," says Ted Springer, president of Springer Equipment Company in Birmingham, AL.
Other distributors agreed that Millennials bring a much broader sense of technology to the workforce but not everyone found that to be a positive. "They are all very comfortable with computers and email but because of how much they use these tools, they are not always particularly skilled with good business communications. That email lingo can carry over into their language and they don't fully recognize how important it is to have a good level of general verbal skills. We spend a lot of time training our younger employees about the etiquette of business communication," says Claud Crosby, president and CEO of VBS Inc. in Richmond, VA.
To learn more about training young employees, read the entire article on The MHEDA Journal Online. www.themhedajournal.org/index.php/2011/07/going-beyond-product-knowledge/. The MHEDA Journal is published quarterly, in January, April, July and October. For more information, contact Steve Guglielmo, content editor of The MHEDA Journal, (315) 445-2347, email: steve@datakey.org.
About MHEDA
Founded in 1954, the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) is the premier source for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking. Through its member journals (www.TheMhedaJournal.org), e-magazines, newsletters and industry wiki (www.wikimheda.org), MHEDA connects the manufacturers of storage & handling, lift trucks and conveyor equipment and distribution leaders for the purpose of delivering optimal solutions to the users of those products. MHEDA publications are the industry's voice for all matters related to the latest technology and the most up-to-date processes spanning the movement and storage of all materials. A 501(c)3 organization, MHEDA members span all of North America.
