Born in the New Millennium, Born for the New Workplace

Millennials, who have had a strong influence in defining the present work culture are profoundly progressing to become the face of business practices and general management. Aged between 18 and 41, the Millennials and Gen Z have brought about unimaginable change and influenced a new set of values and expectations in the workplace.

As the largest generation with over a third of the country’s workforce, the Millennials value work-life balance more than anything else. The productivity they have exhibited by achieving this healthy balance has actually made them in-demand employees. Today, talent acquisition and retention are becoming more competitive than ever before.

Millennials are not quitters, but they prefer a collaborative, collective growth environment over a cut-throat race. They embrace diversity, and as a socially aware cohort, they often work together to excel in everything they do, including decision-making at management levels. From tech-based hard skills to so-called soft skills such as conflict management, being early adapters to technological products and services has given them an unparalleled advantage. They are curious, innovative, creative and experimentative, performing better in environments where such attributes are nurtured.

Essentially, they have grown up with the tech revolution, witnessed its before and after, and have a high degree of empathy for the world at large. In fact, as per the 2015 Millennial Impact Report, 84% of millennial employees reported that they contributed to a charitable cause. For this generation, a sense of purpose is a huge driver in life and at work.

Though the generation includes a highly educated workforce, Millennials have evolved to recognise the value of experience over educational qualifications. This has also influenced decision-making in the recruiting realm, with hiring professionals considering life experience, unique sensibilities and soft skills as equal to or more important than a degree on paper. Shifting from the work culture defined by the Baby Boomers who are now slowly retiring, this energetic and productive workforce demands 'transparency' in everything, from policy-making decisions and pay scales, to revenue numbers and basic company communication.

Millennials are now slowly but steadily changing how work is done. As they enter managerial positions, there is a noticeable shift in the way organizations think and that tentative shift is being cemented by this generational cohort backing policies that would have been unheard of at a workplace run by previous generations. Whether it is flexible parental benefits, inclusive medical coverage, or even customized solutions for single parents, caregivers for old parents, women returning to the workforce after a hiatus, employees choosing to pursue multiple income streams openly - there is a wide range of ways in which today’s workplace is becoming more welcoming to different kinds of life choices.

This generation is skillfully reshaping the workplace and setting the tone for an evolved, inclusive and welcoming future.