Three Ways Millennials Drive Coworkers Nuts at Work - and How to Collaborate

They're called Generation Me, Trophy Kids, Peter Pan Generation, Boomerang Generation. Whether you call them millennials, generation ‘Y’ or echo boomers – they are largest generation since baby boomers. This generation is now entering the workplace and by the year 2030, they will comprise most of the workforce – more specifically 75%.

If you want your organization to succeed, you must know who you’re hiring and who’s already in the workforce. Not knowing your staff and not paying attention to their tendencies in behavior can lead to lower productivity and overall dissatisfaction among people. That’s why every boss should collaborate and help their staff succeed in their workplace. This way everybody wins.

Generational gaps can be tricky. People growing up in different times have different habits and mindsets. And in today’s workplace, that includes baby boomers and millennials.

Millennials are the new generation who has their own style, preferences and expectations that differ from the ones their older colleagues are used to. And this can sometimes drive baby boomers crazy – and for a good reason.

Below are the three most common reasons why millennials are driving their co-workers crazy and how to overcome that:

1. Me, myself and I

Millennials grew up believing that their opinions are of great importance. They’ve been thought that they are special and that they deserve respect, and therefore they may lack the respect for the ‘elders’. With this attitude in the workplace, millennials can have some serious confrontations with their superiors.

Solution: Be firm and direct, yet calm in your communication. Millennials are hard-working and productive, they just need someone to explain to them that it’s in their best interest to collaborate rather than resist. Don't yell or raise your tone because this will only make matters worse. Mutual respect and honest conversation will lead to better understanding. Instead, gain respect by showing leadership, insight and by being flexible. After all, "they" might have something you can learn from them as well.

2. “As long as you did your best” 

Millennials were raised by this idea that as long as you put your best efforts to it, it does not matter whether you succeed or not. While this may not be a bad thing, it simply makes you wonder – how good is your ‘best effort’? If you’re not worried about the outcome, can you actually do your best? Although millennials are goal-oriented, they simply weren’t taught to really go that extra mile.

Solution: In the business world and at your place of work, results matter. A lot. If you put your best foot forward, but you have nothing to show for it, it doesn't count. A company that doesn't sell their solutions, products or services doesn't make money and won't be around tomorrow to pay you a salary. Help your employees of all generations maximize their efforts and not do things half-way. Agree on expectations beforehand and make sure everyone is on the same page.

3. Nobody likes whiners

Millennials weren’t taught to grin and bear it, but rather to whine and give it up when they feel they’re outside of their comfort zone. This is not how workplace functions. People hate it when someone complains, or thinks they deserve a special treatment. It makes them look unprofessional, child-like and slows everyone else down.

Solution: Be loud and clear about policies and expectations. Make them see that they’re not the only one who perhaps feels that way, but sometimes you simply need to stand up and take it. It’s called growing up.

You're a millennial? What do you think?