Millennials do get a bit of a bad rep these days. One could
say that the Boomers trying to stay relevant are behind it, but hey,
generations will bad mouth each other whatever you do, that much is for
certain. Say one thing about Millenials – they are by now getting quite long in
the tooth.
Most research places them among those born from early 80s to late
90s, but you could say that it depends on how people feel and where they have grown
up as well. Still, this means that Millennials have been around long enough to
gain quite a bit of work experience and become the largest, youngest portion of
the workforce. But what makes them tick?
They like quality products
Definitely a product of their own time, Millennials prefer
to work for organizations that offer awesome products or services. This is why
Apple or Google are normally the pinnacle of younger generations’ work
ambitions. They possess the desire to innovate and create something of quality,
something they can stand behind. This is where you come in – you can motivate
them by emphasizing the qualities of your company and the way your products or
services are innovating the industry.
They have the desire to learn
If anything can be said to be the quality that Millennials
have over the Boomers it is the awareness that workers must be willing to learn
and improve for the duration of their working lives, as well as their desire to
do so. This also means that they are not shy about switching careers
after some time spent in one company, which can be a double-edged sword.
However, this also means that you can find some really interesting and
experienced people looking for a change – you just need to recognize them and
be ready to pounce on the opportunity.
They like feeling valued
This probably goes for everyone, but Millennials are
definitely expecting and enjoying the feeling of being valued. It might have
something to do with upbringing differences between them and the older
generations. Don’t be afraid to squeeze a few bonuses every once in a while and
be creative in providing rewards and encouragement. Provide as many fringe
benefits as you can, without breaking the bank, such as an occasional
educational assistance or a universal gift card to show your appreciation.
Your employees will certainly show theirs through their increased motivation.
They know their technology
Having the privilege of growing up alongside the rise of the
pc, the Internet and smartphones really gives the Millennials the edge when it
comes to technology. They have embraced it and lived it throughout their
childhoods and teenage years which makes them if not experts, then definitely
very capable when it comes to using any new kind of technology. This definitely
means that you won’t have to spend a lot on their education when it comes to
using new technology, however, it also means they are going to be very
demanding when it comes to the equipment they use. Make sure to provide them
with the latest technology to pique their interest whenever you can!
They need your support to advance
Millennials do lack one thing perhaps, compared to their
older colleagues – the drive and the ambition to progress in their careers. It
would be a good idea to let them know that they have been heard and that their
ideas have been considered, even when the idea itself is perhaps not that
brilliant. Remember, they deal with rejection slightly less well, so break it
to them gently and if you do accept some of their ideas, make sure to give them
credit. While you’re at it, remember that they will need some encouragement
when it comes to taking initiative and they do like to be included in the
process of making decisions.
In the end, it is probably most important to approach them
as the wunderkinds they are – the generation that was the first one to be
exposed to the unstoppable deluge of technological advancement at the turn of
the century. You might need to tread a bit lightly, but with some effort and
support you will soon have an army of tech-savvy employees with a strong desire
to improve themselves and learn as much as they can. Good luck!
Note: Make sure your employees have
SOCSO funds.
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