Born right into the time of the internet boom, there’s no one better equipped than the millennials for this technology-driven era. However, unlike the employees of the past, millennials are not a generation that believes in the idea of settling for anything less than they deserve. According to a 2018 Deloitte Millennial survey, “Young workers are eager for business leaders to be proactive about making a positive impact in society—and to be responsive to employees’ needs.” If that’s the scenario, how would one ensure to get the most out of the young and changing workforce?
Begin with the question- what do millennials want?
Here’s what millennials expect from their workplace and employers:
- Pioneers of the new world
It’s a brave, new world and millennials know it better than anyone else. They also know that change is really the only constant and therefore yearn to be pioneers of change for the better. Whether it’s in their personal lives or professional lives, millennials are not the generation that will easily follow the herd. When they come up with new ideas, listen to them with an open mind, make sure you let them know that you are willing to hear them out.
- Give them opportunities
Millennials crave opportunities that will allow them to prove their potential to you, so give it to them. You can always start small and work your way forward according to their performance. Not only does this give you the opportunity to receive more creative and different ideas, but it also provides a learning ground for the millennials.
- Honest feedback
Whether it’s good or bad, millennials appreciate honesty which gives them a chance to improve on certain aspects of their work ethics, as well as appreciation where appreciation is due. A millennial will flourish where they know their inputs are valued. Have one-to-one sessions in a relaxed atmosphere where the employer can discuss the expectations the job has on the millennial employee and how to handle it, the mistakes made etc., and millennials can learn from that for future betterment.
- Building a career, not a job
Companies that provide millennials the space to learn and develop their skills will be seen as a valuable resource and thereby gain the loyalty of millennials. This will also increase motivation amongst employees- for instance, sending your best employees for paid master classes or workshops that can help them, and also help the organization grow.
- They’re not just your employees
Millennials believe in creating a balance between work life and personal life. If they feel overworked, or undervalued, and stressed- they won’t work to their full potential. Holidays, bonuses, office celebrations and outings are all things millennials greatly value and add to the increase in their productivity. Showing interest in their personal life, their hobbies is a sign that you care and one that will be much appreciated.
- Keep things interesting
Millennials dread the work settings of the past- cubicles, and a 9-10 pm desk job that does not give them anything beyond monetary benefits. A workplace that helps them cultivate relationships, connections and skills is what their generation wants. Offices that engage in fun activities like lucky draws, birthday celebrations of employees, and have a warm work atmosphere is what they prefer.
Millennials grew with technological developments and disruptive innovation and have been adapting to it before most others have. As a result, they are adept at learning new skills and understanding how the power of technology can be harnessed for results at the workplace. With more and more Baby Boomers retiring, and millennials joining the workforce, it becomes essential for organizations to rethink and redefine their interrelationship strategies and work culture to be more future-forward.
