How Millennial Magic Is Shaping the Future of Work

Folks just can't stop talking about Millennials (born from 1981 to around 1996). They've been the topic of truckloads of workplace discussions and with good reason.

This year, Millennials make up 35% of the U.S. workforce, with some predictions showing them to be over half the workforce by the end of 2025. Whether you think this generation is innovative and fresh or lazy and entitled, you need to get used to working with them!

Millennial Mojo

This generation comes with numerous strengths that are valuable to the workplace. They:

• Rock tech. Growing up with social media and the internet, no other previous generation had the level of comfort or knowledge of technology. They can navigate complex software with ease and learn new technology fast.
• Love collabs. Don't think of having a closed-door policy with this generation. Open them wide and let Millennials brainstorm and bounce ideas around. These workers value teamwork and enjoy mixing it up with diverse employee groups.
• Appreciate the big picture. Millennials are more likely to work for companies that practice philanthropy and protect the environment. They are all about the greater good.
• Thirst to learn. Few members of this generation value the status quo. They are voracious learners and crave new development opportunities. Things don't get stale when Millennials are around.

Millennial Misfires

Just like any generation, this one has its downsides.They:

• Can be impatient. Technology has trained Millenninals to expect things right this very minute. When obstacles block instant gratification, they can get frustrated and dissatisfied.
• Can over-use tech. This generation can struggle with interpersonal communication. Even with the mind-blowing things tech allows us to do, it can't take the place of a powerful two-way conversation or building relationships.
• Have sky-high expectations. Instead of wanting a job that pays the bills, they expect that along with a rewarding job at a company that is a good corporate citizen. AND they want work/life balance and opportunities to learn and advance. A role that checks this long list can be difficult to find.

Even though Millennials get a bad rap for being entitled or lazy, they bring a dynamic energy and innovative mindset to their workplace. Their tech-savviness, open, collaborative nature, and commitment to purpose-driven work is a positive balance to Boomers and Gen X approaches. We're expecting to see big things as this generation continues learning and growing their skill sets throughout their careers.

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