Understanding Millennials in the Workforce
Millennials are the young adults born after 1981 and are considered the "future leaders" of society. They have ambitious career objectives, are technologically savvy, possess high emotional intelligence, and are ready to replace the "soon-to-retire" Baby Boomers. Unlike their predecessors, millennials look for more than just a job. They seek roles that are interesting and career-progressing. This is why organizations need to redefine their management style, company culture, and modify expectations to be more appealing to their leading workplace occupiers — the millennials.
“Millennials want to work for organizations that prioritize purpose as well as profit. It's as simple as that.” — Punit Renjen, Global CEO, Deloitte
What Millennials Expect from Their Career and Workplace
Flexibility
Millennials expect freedom, responsibility, and flexibility early in their careers. They like to adopt their own individualized approach and make their mark. Allowing individuals to apply creativity at work or adopting a less formal attire are simple approaches that will make a millennial feel trusted and comfortable in the organization. Providing clear and concise instructions, achievable goals, and clear deadlines alongside these approaches will enable them to develop their individuality and nurture their leadership qualities.
Using Technology
The millennial generation is renowned for their use of technology and their adaptability to new and upcoming technological changes. With most millennials preferring emails over face-to-face conversations with their employers and believing that access to technology makes them more effective at work, it is no surprise that adapting up-to-date technological advances in the organization will enable a millennial to be more productive and responsive. Millennials respond better to interactive online learning tools, online testing tools, and training videos rather than lectures and conferences. Using technology means being more accessible, which resonates perfectly with millennials.
Work Environment
A good work environment is all about the energy of the workplace rather than the office space being aesthetically pleasing. Millennials expect the energy of their co-employees to be high and inviting rather than sitting in closed cubicles. They feel more comfortable in a high-energy environment, with a motivating, encouraging leader and an open, well-ventilated workplace. Millennials believe that having an open workplace gets rid of barriers — figuratively and literally — enabling them to engage with other co-workers in terms of work, knowledge, information sharing, and creating a fun environment! Millennials expect their employer to be more of a leader than just a manager. Having someone who will provide constructive feedback, discuss goals, and offer advice for betterment provides a more structured development in terms of career and self-growth. Most of these work environmental factors enable a millennial to have a more experienced insight into the company's vision and, in return, better retention and happier future leaders.
Work-Life Balance and Other Benefits
Young workers expect a better work-life balance. It is observed that millennials are ready to take up a lower-paying job that provides better balance and stability. Not only do millennials look for organizations providing better work-life balance, but also mental and physical health programs. Companies may have to prioritize the mental health of employees, as studies show millennial employees suffer from depression more than other generations (approximately one in five millennials report experiencing depression, according to research from employee assistance program provider Bensinger, Dupont & Associates).
To conclude, millennials have different wishes and desires in terms of work and career when compared to their predecessors. It is not uncommon to see these young workers have 4-5 jobs in the first 6-10 years of their career. Placing higher emphasis on skills development and career progression, millennials seek a job that provides growth in these areas. They want the company to inspire, support, and invest in their potential. By encouraging their career development and workplace satisfaction, work will be more than just a job. By implementing better talent management solutions, organizations can ensure they help millennials recognize their capabilities and increase retention.
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Millennials are the young adults born after 1981 and are considered the "future leaders" of society. They have ambitious career objectives, are technologically savvy, possess high emotional intelligence, and are ready to replace the "soon-to-retire" Baby Boomers. Unlike their predecessors, millennials look for more than just a job. They seek roles that are interesting and career-progressing. This is why organizations need to redefine their management style, company culture, and modify expectations to be more appealing to their leading workplace occupiers — the millennials.
“Millennials want to work for organizations that prioritize purpose as well as profit. It's as simple as that.” — Punit Renjen, Global CEO, Deloitte
What Millennials Expect from Their Career and Workplace
Flexibility
Millennials expect freedom, responsibility, and flexibility early in their careers. They like to adopt their own individualized approach and make their mark. Allowing individuals to apply creativity at work or adopting a less formal attire are simple approaches that will make a millennial feel trusted and comfortable in the organization. Providing clear and concise instructions, achievable goals, and clear deadlines alongside these approaches will enable them to develop their individuality and nurture their leadership qualities.
Using Technology
The millennial generation is renowned for their use of technology and their adaptability to new and upcoming technological changes. With most millennials preferring emails over face-to-face conversations with their employers and believing that access to technology makes them more effective at work, it is no surprise that adapting up-to-date technological advances in the organization will enable a millennial to be more productive and responsive. Millennials respond better to interactive online learning tools, online testing tools, and training videos rather than lectures and conferences. Using technology means being more accessible, which resonates perfectly with millennials.
Work Environment
A good work environment is all about the energy of the workplace rather than the office space being aesthetically pleasing. Millennials expect the energy of their co-employees to be high and inviting rather than sitting in closed cubicles. They feel more comfortable in a high-energy environment, with a motivating, encouraging leader and an open, well-ventilated workplace. Millennials believe that having an open workplace gets rid of barriers — figuratively and literally — enabling them to engage with other co-workers in terms of work, knowledge, information sharing, and creating a fun environment! Millennials expect their employer to be more of a leader than just a manager. Having someone who will provide constructive feedback, discuss goals, and offer advice for betterment provides a more structured development in terms of career and self-growth. Most of these work environmental factors enable a millennial to have a more experienced insight into the company's vision and, in return, better retention and happier future leaders.
Work-Life Balance and Other Benefits
Young workers expect a better work-life balance. It is observed that millennials are ready to take up a lower-paying job that provides better balance and stability. Not only do millennials look for organizations providing better work-life balance, but also mental and physical health programs. Companies may have to prioritize the mental health of employees, as studies show millennial employees suffer from depression more than other generations (approximately one in five millennials report experiencing depression, according to research from employee assistance program provider Bensinger, Dupont & Associates).
To conclude, millennials have different wishes and desires in terms of work and career when compared to their predecessors. It is not uncommon to see these young workers have 4-5 jobs in the first 6-10 years of their career. Placing higher emphasis on skills development and career progression, millennials seek a job that provides growth in these areas. They want the company to inspire, support, and invest in their potential. By encouraging their career development and workplace satisfaction, work will be more than just a job. By implementing better talent management solutions, organizations can ensure they help millennials recognize their capabilities and increase retention.
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In response to my post, here's an infographic showing the statistics and how to overcome the challenges in managing the millennial workforce.
https://www.slideshare.net/thinktale...nial-workforce
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https://www.slideshare.net/thinktale...nial-workforce
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Acknowledge(0)Amend(0)CiteHR is an AI-augmented HR knowledge and collaboration platform, enabling HR professionals to solve real-world challenges, validate decisions, and stay ahead through collective intelligence and machine-enhanced guidance. Join Our Platform.
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