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It's summer time and that means many organizations are getting ready to have an influx of Gen Y interns join their organizations. For other generations, Gen Y can be intimidating, confusing and frustrating, especially when you are their manager. Here are five helpful tips for managing Gen Y that will assist with bridging the gaps.

Set Clear Expectations

It's important to meet with your Gen Y employees and set expectations early on in the employment relationship. Many managers just assume that Gen Y is familiar with the corporate rules. This is not necessarily true and Gen Y has different interpretations of those rules. Some important areas to clarify up front include: 

Work hours - if there are standard hours that all employees are expected to work, tell them. Also, let them know if there is flexibility in the hours of work or if they can work remotely.

Dress code - company dress code should also be discussed.  Gen Y is typically more casual in their dress. Don't assume that they know what business casual means. They are not opposed to dressing a certain way; they just need to know what it is.

Use of technology - this issue is becoming more prevalent as more Gen Y's enter the workforce. Be sure to clarify the policies around use of technology including the company computer and Internet. Remember, Gen Y relies primarily on technology for communication. They will utilize the technology that is provided to them as well as their own. If you would prefer that they do not text message their friends during work hours, tell them.

Offer Flexibility

In a recent survey conducted by my company, over 58% of Gen Y rated flexibility as extremely important or very important to them. While I realize, it is not always possible to offer flexibility, you should attempt to where you can. Gen Y is involved in many activities outside of the workplace and values the concept of flexible working arrangements. Be willing to discuss options with your interns and agree upon what you can accommodate.

Leverage Their Strengths

Like all generations, Gen Y's have many positive attributes that they bring to the workplace. To get the most from this generation, find ways to leverage their strengths. Provide them with projects and assignments where they can add value. Gen Y's enter the workplace excited, passionate and with lots of great ideas. If you can find ways to utilize their skills and channel their energy, you will experience positive and productive results.

Show Them Respect

This sounds so basic but it is not. Frequently, Gen Y's complain about being treated as their managers child rather than their employee. They also feel they are chastised because they are viewed as having limited experience as compared to other employees. Gen Y tends to ask a lot of questions and challenge the status quo. This was encouraged while they were growing up both at home and in school. Resist the urge to brush them off because of their age and show them the respect that everyone deserves.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

Never underestimate the power of communication. As mentioned earlier, Gen Y relies heavily on technology to communicate. They keep in touch with literally hundreds of contacts on a daily basis. Because of the way they use technology, they often assume that this is the preferred method for everyone. Share your expectations of when you want to discuss issues face-to-face and when it is appropriate to use technology. It doesn't hurt to be proactive and establish communication guidelines early in the relationship. This will help to avoid miscommunications down the road.

Managing Gen Y doesn't have to be as difficult as some make it out to be. The key is to set clear expectations and establish open lines of communication. Follow these tips for a positive experience with your Gen Y employees. They will be the future leaders of the business world someday. Let's take the time now to foster their success.