HR Tip: Millenniums and professionalism

According to research from the Center for Professional Excellence at York College of Pennsylvania, levels of professionalism have declined during the past five years with about 45 percent of respondents indicating that the work ethic has gotten worse. In its annual survey on the state of professionalism among entry-level employees - 2013 Professionalism in the Workplace Study, researchers note the decline, is driven by a too-casual attitude toward work (86.6 percent), not being self-driven (71.5 percent) and a lack of ownership of one's work (69.3 percent).

Most experts agree that entry-level employees need to be trained about what is expected because many have not been taught by parents or schools what it takes to be successful in the workplace. Millenniums, also known as Generation Y, have grown up in a fast moving, technologically connected world where standards and norms have changed. Since they may have different attitudes about dress, work schedules, and flexibility as well as job expectations, it's important to lay the ground rules at the outset. Failure to do so will lead to conflict, frustration, and low productivity.