Perfect Phrases for Onboarding Generation Xers
What we know about the Xers is that they feel rather “squeezed” between the baby boomers and the Gen Ys. There are fewer of them, by sheer numbers, than in either of the other two groups, so they are always in the minority. They also are now of the age when they are often responsible for younger children at home and may not be as mobile, and so may be less able to take promotions that require relocations, or less willing to work late hours or participate in social after-work activities. This can lead to some type of additional separation among the groups. Gen X also grew up in a world where downsizing and mismanagement were common, and so they don’t often trust the “corporate-speak.” Gen X highly values having options, and options often trump money or status. They tend to resent the boomers who see their way as the only way, and the fact that the boomers are hanging around in the workplace a lot longer than anyone thought they would, especially in leadership roles. However, Gen X brings strong relationships into the workplace and teaches others how to leverage them for powerful results. They also embrace technology as they have practically grown up with the personal computer and the cell phone. They are also not afraid of change as it relates to the work world, because it has done nothing but change since they entered it. They appreciate diversity and understand its value; they are instinctively collaborative, are usually quite flexible, and tend to ask questions instead of making statements as their boomer counterparts do.
- Welcome! We are so glad to have you as part of our team!
- The reason that we see you fitting in here so well is ____________.
- Some of the strengths that you bring to our organization are __________________________.
- A couple of the things that may be a challenge for you here are______________________________.
- We have a plan to make your first months on the job successful, and you will drive it.
- Our onboarding program will allow you to set objectives and learn the organization at the same time you build relationships along the way.
- Your onboarding experience will allow for learning not only your particular role and function, but also our organization’s culture, core processes, and customer experience.
- Relationships are key here. Let’s talk about the ones you have started already and how to grow them, and then build a plan for the ones that you will need to develop.
- We strive for a structured, yet flexible onboarding experience tailored to meet you where you are, where you’ve been, and where you are going in the future.
- We have the ability to work flexible hours in our organization. Here is where you can find some additional information about that: _____________________________.
- If you are interested in meeting with some of the other newer employees, here is how you can connect with them: __________________.
- We are committed to your career development, and your onboarding plan is the first piece. We will start with your onboarding plan and work with you to implement it.
- What’s your cell number? Here is mine ______________________ if you need anything.
- Communication in our organization is mostly (face-to-face, e-mail, voice mail, whichever apply).
- Feedback is an important part of our process too. Here’s how you will get it:.
- Your onboarding plan will serve as a springboard for your development plan, and this is how they will fit together:.
- As you start to meet people, here are some suggested topics to engage them:
- How our teams work together
- What the biggest opportunities are
- What the barriers are