As millennials take over the workplace employers are recognizing the need for change. Millennials will make up 75% of the workforce by 2030 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. As an employer it is important to understand millennials and how they operate in the workforce. The more you can relate, the better your work environment will be.
Be a coach
Since millennials grew up with constant feedback from both parents and teachers this is something they have come to expect which doesn’t always happen in the workforce. Most companies have a formal yearly review to discuss the employee’s performance. For millennials, however, they prefer more informal, short meetings throughout the year to discuss performance and get feedback. They work better with a coach or mentor than a boss. As an employer, it is important to keep this in mind when managing millennials so you don’t lose a good employee because of lack of feedback.
Work/life balance
Work/life balance is extremely important for millennials. While they will work hard during the day, their nights and weekends are important to them. This is not to say millennials won’t put in extra hours when needed. Schedule flexibility gives millennials the control they want while still being a productive employee. Employers need to start thinking of the traditional 40 hour work week in a different light. While there is no clear way to solve this issue, allowing millennials a flexible schedule, including being able to work from home, will make them much happier in the workplace.
Transparency
Millennials grew up being in the know on everything and expect the same in the workforce. They want to be included in discussions large and small. They don’t want to come into a company and then be surprised by a ton of information they didn’t know. It is important to be honest with them from the start and include them so they feel like part of the overall team.
Climb the corporate ladder
Millennials want to learn and grow within a company however the time they expect to do this in might not be the same time frame a manager has or is used to. Let millennials know of advancement opportunities right away and come up with a plan that they can follow in order to advance as long as they commit to it. While it may not be as fast as they would like having a set plan can be a great compromise.
As more millennials enter the workforce the more change they will bring with them. While this change can be scary it is important to embrace millennials. What are some ways you manage millennials?