09 Jul Millennials in the Workplace: 7 Ways to Ensure You Get Along With Them

Companies are adapting to innovative styles of work, predominantly introduced by Millennials. This new generation of professionals is bringing high-quality skill, talent and new energy to the workplace: three vital assets for any business. Millennials (born between 1980s to the early 2000s) are known to disrupt traditional work styles, including hierarchy and rigid office timings. They embrace change and don’t shy away from challenges and problem-solving.

This may seem a challenge to accept for Baby Boomers / Generation X, who are used to more traditional work structures. Relatable? Here are 7 ways to help you get along with Millennials in the workplace.

1. Engage Them in Decision-Making  

Millennials are always eager to get into the thick of things. Engaging them in decision-making where they have enough knowledge to share a valuable opinion will make them feel more valued and encourage them to contribute more often. This will also enable them to connect more personally to the project at hand. Naturally, it’s essential to consider their suggestion whether you decide to implement it or not.

2. Offer Career Development Opportunities

Contrary to popular belief, Millennials are ambitious. Once offered the opportunity to learn or develop their skill set, they are always up to the task and eager to sharpen their skills. In fact, a research concluded 60% of Millennials would opt for a job with strong professional development potential rather than one with regular pay raises.

3. Millennials are Good with Technology

Millennials are the most technologically adept generation yet (bar Gen Z, who are about to enter the workplace). Modern technology can help your employees in their processes and support your organization’s productivity. While older generations might take time to get used to new technology, Millennials take significantly less time adapting to these innovations. Providing them with the adequate tools will help them be efficient and motivate them to excel at their jobs.

4. Millennials Work as a Group and They Work Well

Millennials create a highly productive dynamic when working as a team. They constantly share ideas and inputs at various stages of the decision-making process. They are constantly looking to collaborate with their colleagues and superiors alike. A Microsoft survey found that collaboration is a primary driver for where Millennials seek employment.

“Their rallying cry is ‘a win for one is a win for the team,” according to David Stillman, a consultant and co-author of The M-Factor: How the Millennial Generation Is Rocking the Workplace.

In an IBM study of Millennial professionals, more than half said they made better business decisions when there was a group of people providing input.

5. Allow Flexibility in Their Work

Millennials prefer flexibility. Many will choose to earn less for a job that offers a better work experience, a strong company culture or the ability to work remotely. These professionals want jobs that allow them the freedom to develop themselves outside of their job description. Flexible work timings are far more popular with Millennials than with the previous generations.

6. Provide Regular Feedback

Feedback is key to the growth of any employee, especially if your employee is a Millennial who is entering the global workforce. Take the time to sit down with your team members and show them that you do care: listen actively, ask how you can better support them, figure out ways to help them with their professional development. Be serious about making the time for this and stick to it. Not only will they feel comfortable and confident, this will also improve their morale and help them improve their skills.

7. Embrace & Enjoy Their Diversity

Globalization has led companies to cross borders and set up shop abroad. It has also enabled professionals to relocate and explore opportunities in other countries, leading to a multicultural global workforce. Millennials aim to reach peak performance through their work, regardless of location or culture. Language and cultural barriers aren’t seen as “barriers” but rather as growth opportunities to expand their horizons. Embrace their diversity and see the wonders that their unique backgrounds can bring to your company’s success.

Looking for professional development solutions for your Millennial workforce? Start here.