7 Tips to Effectively Manage Millennials
Who are Millennials?
Millennials are people who were born between 1980 to the early 2000s. These people have grown up in a world of rapid change. They have grown up in a different culture. Their tech savviness is dissimilar from their previous generations.
This is the always-on the digital gadgets generation. Their cohort is the biggest in American history — even more significant than baby boomers.
Unlike their parents, these people have the most significant platform — social media. It helps them to reach to the world, making sure that their opinions are heard. These people are used to comparing prices, peer reviews and product info.
Millennials step into the professional world with huge expectations and great ideas. They want to change the world into a more comfortable place. Their affinity for technology is transforming the retails and marketing space.
Finally, their active and open lifestyle directs their habits and lifestyle.
Understanding the Millennial trends, ideology, openness to new technology and opportunities combined with their take on work culture and ethics is essential to manage them for a productive workforce.
Here are 7 Tips to Effectively Manage the Millennial Generation.
1. Always Answer the ‘Why?’
Picture this: a Gen Xer and a Millennial meet with the boss. The boss then introduces a project. While a Gen Xer will leave with a ‘yes’, a millennial will have several questions and always a series of ‘Why’s.
So, it’s always a good thing to listen to their questions and suggestions. They don’t take the easy peasy roads. Each one of them has their ‘path less travelled by’. Due to this, their ideas and suggestions might actually turn out to be beneficial.
2. Reverse Feedback
Any Millennial would never work methodically; it is not in their nature. They like to generate new ideas on their projects and look forward to getting feedback from the manager; rather than showing up with the one final polished product.
So, while you might have years of experience in the industry, these millennials can teach you about the trending tech and social media buzz.
Image by Hollywood Branded
3. Don’t ban the Digitals
A report once showed that 56% of millennials would decline a job offer that denied access to social media channels. These new grads are addicted to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc., and this makes most of their personal and professional life.
Also, millennials are always on the more natural side to accept changes. This 90’s age group has grown up seeing things around them change and replaced with technology. They are more adept at the AI changes and will be the ones to take up new challenges that maybe your older employees would never dream of. Thus, let them use their gadgets and managers should take advantage of their tech-savviness.
4. Money isn’t everything
I don’t mean that millennials don’t value money; it is not just their primary purpose. These people prefer to make a mix compensation package with extra holidays, long vacations once a year, cafeteria discounts, flexible work hours, etc.
They don’t aspire to a particular title; instead, they are interested in reaching executive positions where they can bring real change. Millennials don’t want to be confined to a cubicle, instead go out and meet interesting people, learning new stuff along with their work.
They always appreciate opportunities that offer a wide range of experience, and yes the mix compensation pays.
It’s time managers understand the extent of their interest to do better and let millennials bring some significant changes in company culture. As it’s important that companies grow along with new techs and viral stuff to create better advertising plans and strategies.
5. Personal and Professional Life Balance
In the decade when freelancing has taken up a considerable section of the market, millennials thrive for a work-life balance where they can travel, experience the world around them and grab all opportunities.
It is in benefit of the firm to not ignore millennials need for not working 60 hours a week. They also love socialising and enjoying their work. Create a workplace that balances work with social games and activities, so millennials just don’t get bored and start looking for new work.
6. Let them Multitask
Multitasking is the millennials way of life. You can see them talking on the phone, responding to email, gesture talking to coworkers, etc. all at the same time. Let them multitask. Engaging millennials in one single job for hours will lead to boredom.
