What’s on Your Mind? Discover and Develop the Millennial in You!

Written by Melanie Gunio

In response to the current needs regarding the development and retention of millennials in the workforce, John Clements Consultants, Inc. (JCCI), a truly agile organization, conducted a program entitled, “What’s on Your Mind? Discover and Develop the Millennial in You!”

The program, designed exclusively for millennials, was held last March 16, 23, and 30 with thirty-one participants from different divisions of JCCI-EDI. To cap it off, participants were given the opportunity to speak out and be heard by their managers and supervisors during their final presentations held last April 20 from 4:00 to 6:00pm at the Executive Lounge of the Antel Corporate Center in Makati City.

For their final presentations, the participants were divided into three groups and were assigned one question based on the three tracks of the program, each having a specific focus:

· LIKE! — #DefineYourSelf

· COMMENT! — #DefineYourVoice

· SHARE! — #DefineYourAccountability

Along with this, each group was asked to give recommendations on how John Clements could attract, retain, and engage millennials, respectively. Drawing on the readings, experiences, and interactions they had during the program, the participants were tasked to give responses to the assigned questions in the most creative, dynamic, and “millennial” way they could.

Eager to hear from these millennials, the final presentations were graced by JCCI-EDI managers and supervisors, namely Marilou Antonio, Alina Manaig, Aris Metin, Patrick Dayao, Neil Binalla, Alicia Morales, Nidhi Bose, Andrew Sy, and Lou Sulit.

Group 1 — LIKE! was composed of employees from EDI and HBP who did a role play and a presentation on the characteristics that define them as millennials. As a rebuttal to the usual stigma of being a “millennial,” this group defined themselves as: (1) compassionate and passionate; (2) outspoken and bold; (3) diverse and liberal; and (4) resourceful and innovative.

They also presented the results of a survey they conducted among several millennials in JCCI, posing the question of what attracted them to their position and/or company. From this, they came up with recommendations on ways the organization could attract millennials, such as having personal development programs like a mentoring program, customized training programs, and “developmental conversations” with managers. In addition to this, they also recommended “strengthening the company reputation” by assigning brand ambassadors for a social media campaign.

Meanwhile, Group 2 — COMMENT! consisted of millennials from ESSD, PS, and Services who talked about their ideal work environment and how this could aid in retaining millennials. They did a role play titled “Johnny’s Typical Day”, focusing on three changes they desired to see in their workplace, which they consider a second home: technology and digitalization, culture of collaboration and improvement in the office work space, and flexibility in terms of working hours and use of leaves and benefits.

Finally, Group 3 — SHARE!, made up of participants from SBA and SNC, discussed what they could contribute to the organization and how JCCI could further engage millennials. Some of their recommendations include doing volunteer work, internal and external training programs, work-life integration, and sports activities. They used visuals resembling the pillars of a house to emphasize the different components they want their JCCI home to have: security, protection, belongingness, comfort, and family.

At the end of each presentation, the managers and supervisors were given the chance to ask questions and comment on the matters discussed. Michael Cannon, director for learning and development, then concluded the program by noting that ideas from the participants, along with the insights and inputs of the managers, will be reviewed and consolidated for implementation in the organization.

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About the author:

Melanie Joy Gunio is an Operations and Program Management Consultant in the Harvard Business Publishing division of John Clements Consultants, Inc.