Understanding the Gen Y in Singapore. This was a presentation given at the HRM Singapore Workshop, Sept 2, 2009

1. The Key to Unlocking the
Millennial Generation
Attracting and Recruiting the Singaporean Gen Y
William Chin
Senior Staffing Manager, Qualcomm

2. Who are the Gen Y?
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 2

3. 1,000,000
Singaporean Gen Y
Gen Y gets down to work, The Straits Times, February 5, 2009
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 3

4. 20%
of the total resident population
Harnessing The Potential of Gen Y Workforce in Singapore, SHRI Survey Report 2008
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 4

5. 15 - 32 1977 - 1994
years of age
Harnessing The Potential of Gen Y Workforce in Singapore, SHRI Survey Report 2008
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 5

6. 400,000
estimated current workforce and growing
Gen Y gets down to work, The Straits Times, February 5, 2009
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 6

7. 27%
have not determined their career choice
Harnessing The Potential of Gen Y Workforce in Singapore, SHRI Survey Report 2008
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 7

8. The Gen Y Experience
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 8

9. Born into a lifestyle
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 9

10. Born into a lifestyle
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 9

11. Born into a lifestyle
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 9

12. Born into a lifestyle
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 9

13. Born into a lifestyle
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 9

14. Born into a lifestyle
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 9

15. A new language of their own
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 10

16. A new language of their own
LOL!
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 10

17. A new language of their own
LOL!
c u 2moro
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 10

18. A new language of their own
LOL! :-)
c u 2moro
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 10

19. A new language of their own
LOL! :-)
c u 2moro
TTYL
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 10

20. Connected in a totally new way
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 11

21. Connected in a totally new way
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 11

22. Connected in a totally new way
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 11

23. A Culture Clash at Work
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 12

24. She came to work in jeans and a
T-shirt. When I called out to her, she
The Boss did not respond because she was
listening to music on her iPod. I
walked up to her desk and she was
on the MSN as well.
Gen Y at Work, The Straits Time, pp S2,5, May 10, 2009
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 13

25. She came to work in jeans and a
T-shirt. When I called out to her, she
The Boss did not respond because she was
listening to music on her iPod. I Gen Y
walked up to her desk and she was
on the MSN as well.
Gen Y at Work, The Straits Time, pp S2,5, May 10, 2009
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 13

26. She came to work in jeans and a
T-shirt. When I called out to her, she
The Boss did not respond because she was
listening to music on her iPod. I Gen Y
walked up to her desk and she was
on the MSN as well.
Gen Y at Work, The Straits Time, pp S2,5, May 10, 2009
vs.
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 13

27. Careers and Choice
The Boss Gen Y
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 14

28. Careers and Choice
The Boss Gen Y
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 14

29. Careers and Choice
The Boss Gen Y
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 14

30. Hopes and Dreams
The Boss Gen Y
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 15

31. Hopes and Dreams
The Boss Gen Y
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 15

32. Hopes and Dreams
The Boss Gen Y
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 15

33. Knowledge and Information
The Boss Gen Y
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 16

34. Knowledge and Information
The Boss Gen Y
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 16

35. Knowledge and Information
The Boss Gen Y
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 16

36. Space and Place
The Boss Gen Y
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 17

37. Space and Place
The Boss Gen Y
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 17

38. Space and Place
The Boss Gen Y
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 17

39. Work and Personal
The Boss Gen Y
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 18

40. Work and Personal
The Boss Gen Y
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 18

41. Work and Personal
The Boss Gen Y
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 18

42. A Bold New World
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 19

43. HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 20

44. The Boss Gen Y New Workplace
Hierarchical; vertical org chart; Flat organization; global
Career climbed through the ranks
Mobile; more opportunities
workplace
20 year long-service; worked 2-3 years; loyal to interesting Constant org change; “right
Commitment long hours; why change? work; change is expected sizing”
Fluid; multi-tasking; multi- Content domain experts;
Work Style Structured, process driven
projects generalists; project based
Meaningful; sense of Corp Social Responsibility;
Success Work to live, 5Cs
community green
Expected; retention tool; Demanded; mentor/coach; on- Learning communities; use of
Training classrooms the-job training technology
Part of their lives; can’t live/ Technology transforming
Technology PC, internet, fax
work without it; Web 2.0 business
Multiple generations in the
Work Life Work life balance Work life harmony workplace; adjust to
differing needs
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 20

45. The Boss Gen Y New Workplace
Hierarchical; vertical org chart; Flat organization; global
Career climbed through the ranks
Mobile; more opportunities
workplace
20 year long-service; worked 2-3 years; loyal to interesting Constant org change; “right
Commitment long hours; why change? work; change is expected sizing”
Fluid; multi-tasking; multi- Content domain experts;
Work Style Structured, process driven
projects generalists; project based
Meaningful; sense of Corp Social Responsibility;
Success Work to live, 5Cs
community green
Expected; retention tool; Demanded; mentor/coach; on- Learning communities; use of
Training classrooms the-job training technology
Part of their lives; can’t live/ Technology transforming
Technology PC, internet, fax
work without it; Web 2.0 business
Multiple generations in the
Work Life Work life balance Work life harmony workplace; adjust to
differing needs
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 20

46. The Boss Gen Y New Workplace
Hierarchical; vertical org chart; Flat organization; global
Career climbed through the ranks
Mobile; more opportunities
workplace
20 year long-service; worked 2-3 years; loyal to interesting Constant org change; “right
Commitment long hours; why change? work; change is expected sizing”
Fluid; multi-tasking; multi- Content domain experts;
Work Style Structured, process driven
projects generalists; project based
Meaningful; sense of Corp Social Responsibility;
Success Work to live, 5Cs
community green
Expected; retention tool; Demanded; mentor/coach; on- Learning communities; use of
Training classrooms the-job training technology
Part of their lives; can’t live/ Technology transforming
Technology PC, internet, fax
work without it; Web 2.0 business
Multiple generations in the
Work Life Work life balance Work life harmony workplace; adjust to
differing needs
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 20

47. The Boss Gen Y New Workplace
Hierarchical; vertical org chart; Flat organization; global
Career climbed through the ranks
Mobile; more opportunities
workplace
20 year long-service; worked 2-3 years; loyal to interesting Constant org change; “right
Commitment long hours; why change? work; change is expected sizing”
Fluid; multi-tasking; multi- Content domain experts;
Work Style Structured, process driven
projects generalists; project based
Meaningful; sense of Corp Social Responsibility;
Success Work to live, 5Cs
community green
Expected; retention tool; Demanded; mentor/coach; on- Learning communities; use of
Training classrooms the-job training technology
Part of their lives; can’t live/ Technology transforming
Technology PC, internet, fax
work without it; Web 2.0 business
Multiple generations in the
Work Life Work life balance Work life harmony workplace; adjust to
differing needs
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 20

48. The Boss Gen Y New Workplace
Hierarchical; vertical org chart; Flat organization; global
Career climbed through the ranks
Mobile; more opportunities
workplace
20 year long-service; worked 2-3 years; loyal to interesting Constant org change; “right
Commitment long hours; why change? work; change is expected sizing”
Fluid; multi-tasking; multi- Content domain experts;
Work Style Structured, process driven
projects generalists; project based
Meaningful; sense of Corp Social Responsibility;
Success Work to live, 5Cs
community green
Expected; retention tool; Demanded; mentor/coach; on- Learning communities; use of
Training classrooms the-job training technology
Part of their lives; can’t live/ Technology transforming
Technology PC, internet, fax
work without it; Web 2.0 business
Multiple generations in the
Work Life Work life balance Work life harmony workplace; adjust to
differing needs
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 20

49. The Boss Gen Y New Workplace
Hierarchical; vertical org chart; Flat organization; global
Career climbed through the ranks
Mobile; more opportunities
workplace
20 year long-service; worked 2-3 years; loyal to interesting Constant org change; “right
Commitment long hours; why change? work; change is expected sizing”
Fluid; multi-tasking; multi- Content domain experts;
Work Style Structured, process driven
projects generalists; project based
Meaningful; sense of Corp Social Responsibility;
Success Work to live, 5Cs
community green
Expected; retention tool; Demanded; mentor/coach; on- Learning communities; use of
Training classrooms the-job training technology
Part of their lives; can’t live/ Technology transforming
Technology PC, internet, fax
work without it; Web 2.0 business
Multiple generations in the
Work Life Work life balance Work life harmony workplace; adjust to
differing needs
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 20

50. The Boss Gen Y New Workplace
Hierarchical; vertical org chart; Flat organization; global
Career climbed through the ranks
Mobile; more opportunities
workplace
20 year long-service; worked 2-3 years; loyal to interesting Constant org change; “right
Commitment long hours; why change? work; change is expected sizing”
Fluid; multi-tasking; multi- Content domain experts;
Work Style Structured, process driven
projects generalists; project based
Meaningful; sense of Corp Social Responsibility;
Success Work to live, 5Cs
community green
Expected; retention tool; Demanded; mentor/coach; on- Learning communities; use of
Training classrooms the-job training technology
Part of their lives; can’t live/ Technology transforming
Technology PC, internet, fax
work without it; Web 2.0 business
Multiple generations in the
Work Life Work life balance Work life harmony workplace; adjust to
differing needs
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 20

51. The Boss Gen Y New Workplace
Hierarchical; vertical org chart; Flat organization; global
Career climbed through the ranks
Mobile; more opportunities
workplace
20 year long-service; worked 2-3 years; loyal to interesting Constant org change; “right
Commitment long hours; why change? work; change is expected sizing”
Fluid; multi-tasking; multi- Content domain experts;
Work Style Structured, process driven
projects generalists; project based
Meaningful; sense of Corp Social Responsibility;
Success Work to live, 5Cs
community green
Expected; retention tool; Demanded; mentor/coach; on- Learning communities; use of
Training classrooms the-job training technology
Part of their lives; can’t live/ Technology transforming
Technology PC, internet, fax
work without it; Web 2.0 business
Multiple generations in the
Work Life Work life balance Work life harmony workplace; adjust to
differing needs
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 20

52. Do You Know How to Connect to
the Gen Y?
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 21

53. Consider...
✤ Reach out in ways familiar to them
✤ social media
✤ Engage them in conversation
✤ create an open dialogue; allow them to participate
✤ Design jobs to meet their needs (and your business)
✤ flexible hours; project based; interesting; requires initiative
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 22

54. Let the Gen Ys recruit Gen Ys
Iʼve wouldʼve preferred to be involved
earlier in the project, even handling the
communications directly with NTU in
the early stages.
Qualcomm Engineer and
Project Lead for NTU Campus Recruiting
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 23

55. Instead of listening to me...
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 24

56. Instead of listening to me...
Listen to the Gen Ys on workplace
issues... the GennY podcast
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 24

57. Thank You
25

58. End Note
• Harnessing the potential of Gen Y workforce in Singapore, SHRI Research Center,
Singapore Human Resource Institute, Survey Report 2008
• Gen Y gets down to work, The Straits Times, February 5, 2009
• Gen Y at Work, The Straits Time, pp S2,5, May 10, 2009
• How is Gen Y different in the work force?, The GennY Podcast - A Gen Y Podcast From
Singapore, http://uniquefrequency.com//Genny_Episode_001.mp3
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009 26

59. Presented at
HRM Singapore Workshop Series
How to work with Gen ʻWhyʼ
September 2, 2009
http://www.keymedia.com.au/KMIConferences/Gen_Y_2009.pdf
http://asiarecruitingtidbits.blogspot.com/
http://www.slideshare.net/WilliamChin
http://www.linkedin.com/in/williamchin
The views expressed herein are solely the author's and should not be attributed to his employer.
HRM Singapore Workshop Series, How to Work with Gen Why?, September 2, 2009