Harnessing the Talents of Millennials as they Enter the Workforce - Alex's Story

Alex's Profile

As an employer, I am amazed by how much some of the entry-level workers know and the ease with which they are able to use tools and technologies, and the speed at which they perform tasks as they can multi-task. They come to the workforce having already designed products, launched start-ups, interned, got various certification like Scrum and PMP, participated in makeathons, hackathons, and more.

So how do we keep this turbo charged generation engaged and how do we retain them? Is this the new challenge we need to address to harness the talents of this generation? Their work styles, habits, their short attention span, and ethics present a new talent management dilemma and are the leaders and managers prepared for this?

Here is an example of a Millennial entering the workforce. How would you engage him?

Alex just graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Neuroscience. And oh by the way, he is already a Certified Scrum Master and is now getting his PMP certification.

He has a glint in his eyes, is ready to take on the world, and find simple solutions to complex problems.

He dreams, ideates, is curious, a life-long learner and designs cool products ranging from Flexible modular light weight, low cost housing, to clean energy solutions, Apps, and drones that can rescue refugees from drowning in oceans and seas.

He recently launched an App called Ohana (www.ohanaisfamily.com) to help the Elderly use mobile devices to communicate with the world. He got the inspiration from his 90-year old grandparents (pictured on the left), who found it challenging to use tablets and other mobile devices. He realized that the use of devices is not intuitive to the elderly and the screens and interfaces are not easy to use. Accessibility, readability, and usability are challenging for the elderly too. So this product has a very simple interface with large bold menu choices that can be accessed by touch or voice. Check it out!

Among other things, he has also designed a cool Augmented Reality App to help the Blind navigate using Microsoft Hololens.

So with all this experience, what do you say to a person who has already done more than an average worker with 5 years experience? How are companies addressing this challenge? I invite your feedback.