How to manage Millennials effectively
Millennials – generally agreed to be people born on or around the turn of the millennium, are thought to make up the majority of the workforce, yet it’s still the case that some companies are struggling to manage this generation of employees.
So what are some typical Millennial workplace traits? What does this generation want from its employers? And how can you give them it? Let’s take a look.
The Millennial personality
HR experts suggest Millennials:
- Have a can-do attitude.
- Enjoy a challenging, changing workload.
- Like to be challenged.
- Are digitally aware.
- Desire structure and progression.
Meeting the demands of the Millennial generation
How can you as a business manage, challenge and nurture your Millennial employees? Here are five ideas to put into action.
- Prepare for an older workforce
The Generation Debt interactive, developed by finance experts Wizzcash, shows the average life expectancy for Millennials is currently 80 years of age. Businesses should prepare for an older workforce, with employees working much later in life than their predecessors.
You could equip your business for the long term by setting up a pension scheme and offering flexible working options.
- Focus on health and wellbeing policies
Research by the American Psychological Association suggests stress has increased for Millennials. With mental health becoming a much more important part of company culture, perhaps it’s time to focus on the kinds of health and wellbeing policies you could develop to support your employees’ wellbeing.
- Set up a corporate social responsibility policy
The majority of Millennials – 84% – say helping make a positive difference in the world is more important to them than professional recognition, says the Bentley University’s Center For Women And Business. Meet this need by setting a corporate social responsibility policy, if you don’t have one already. Go out into your community and do some good.
- Think about refreshing your social media policy
Some 71% of Millennials don’t always obey social media policies at work, according to a study by Cisco. If your social media policy was set up years ago, it might well be time for a refresh. Consider loosening your guidelines so employees are free to use social media – you might spot a jump in productivity as a result.
- Embrace flexible working
89% of Millennials would prefer to choose when and where they work, rather than slotting into the standard 9-to-5 structure, according to Elance. Consider allowing your employees to work flexibly – from home, local coffee shop or somewhere else.
