I wanted to take this opportunity to address a criticism that comes up frequently.

I’ve heard different variations on the theme, but it always boils down to something along these lines: You young people take yourselves too seriously. You want meaning in your uniform? MEANING!?! Are you so self-absorbed as to think that we care what your tattoos mean? Get over yourselves.

I will grant that on its face, what your young employees want to wear may seem unimportant with the bottom line at stake. It may seem especially frivolous when compared to your need to make mortgage payments while getting the kids wherever they need to be (frequently the three most geographically disparate locations possible).

Just last week, a friend of mine sat down for a discussion with his boss that illustrated this perspective perfectly. It went something like this:

BOSS: Let’s talk about your future with this company.
FRIEND: OK, cool.
BOSS: For the most part I have very positive things to say, but there is one part that might be hard for you.
FRIEND: OK. Let’s do it.

At this point, my friend was unsure if his boss was going to tell him that he lacked the experience, social skills, intelligence, or connections to actually advance in the company.

BOSS: I know this could be difficult, but if you’re planning to advance much further in this company, you’re probably going to have to take out your earrings and wear long sleeves to cover your tattoos.
FRIEND: Yeah, I know. When’s the hard part of this conversation?
BOSS: Oh, well I figured this was it.
FRIEND: Um, nope. Not hard at all. I like the earring and all, but I can always take it out. And I like money a lot more than the earring. You’re telling me that you didn’t want to bring up any glaring character flaws or skill deficits?
BOSS: Nope. That was it.

I think my friend’s boss walked away with a little better perspective on my friend’s thinking. My friend and I, (and most people my age) know that there are times when one must behave like a “professional adult.” What I express on this blog about uniforms are not demands, requirements, or ultimatums. Rather, I am sharing my preferences. Employers have recognized that minimizing turnover is good for the bottom line, and I am convinced that those employers who are able to align their practices with their employees’ preferences will decrease turnover.

And for the most part, that’s what is going on when your Gen Whys tell you they hate tucking in their shirts and shaving. They are expressing preferences. I don’t doubt that there will be a few Gen Whys who will demand some sort of uniform concession. I also know from experience that there is a portion of the population that, regardless of age group, will make absurd demands. I don’t expect you to cater to a 16-year-old young employee who behaves this way any more than I expect you to cater to a 60-year-old employee who behaves this way.

But the vast majority of employees don’t make demands. If you listen to their preferences, you’ll be able to better fight turnover, which is hardly a concession to a self-absorbed brat if you ask me.