Millennials and why they are important to connect with

According to a new Pew Research center report, millennials have moved past the baby boomers as the generation with the greatest share of the American workforce. As a matter of fact more than one-in-three American workers are Millennials, age 18 to 34. Why is this important to you? Your business model that you have coveted over the years, you know the one that Jackie down in receivables has lived by for the 30 years she has worked for you, is going to need some major upgrades.

The entire “9–5” workday has already begun to dissipate but now, more than ever, this way of thinking is going to become a dinosaur. Millennials are not as regimented as the baby boomers and generations of the past. There are too many gadgets and apps out there, the world has become too small not to see and experience. The first key as a leader is to recognize the importance of flexibility. Just because you are not physically in the office doesn’t mean you aren’t working. Productivity has taken a major detour to the mobile age. Work is done across platforms, boundaries, time zones, and oceans effortlessly and as fluid as ever before. Allow this new generation to work in their “cloud office” and utilize their strengths in understanding technology and what it is capable of.

Another important step you’ll need to take as a leader will be to understand and adapt to the innate needs and wants of this growing generation. Millennials want to be told when they are doing a good job, they want to know they are making a difference and the work they are putting in is tangibly affecting the bottom line. More so than ever you want to give your workforce that feeling of purpose. Make sure to lay out a career plan, and ask what your coworkers want and where they see themselves. Treat 1 on 1 meeting’s as priorities. Millennials have no issue searching for a work environment where they will be appreciated. (The importance of feeback was outlined recently in a LinkedIn post by Jeff Haden “A Simple way to Make Any Feeback Pay Off”)
Lastly try and make your office new and exciting. Sitting in a dark and quiet cubicle, along with wearing a coat and tie to work, is becoming old news. You want your millennials to feel comfortable and passionate about what they do. Offer community initiatives, upgrade the break room, and plan outings. There is a reason why the work cultures in Silicon Valley are trying to be mirrored and implemented across the world. Fun, exciting work areas increase production and moral at work.

Good luck! Please let me know what other factors you see as crucial in making your profession more Millennial friendly.