The demographics have shifted. The baby boomers’ decades of control of the workplace have finally come to a close. Generation X, a smaller cohort, never really had the chance to shine, but the Millennials, all 82.2 million of them are eager to step into the spotlight.
Millennials and Teamwork
Something I have observed is the millennials’ preference for teamwork. Employers identified that they needed people who are good at collaboration. Educators listened and the millennial generation grew up with a pedagogical philosophy that emphasized group work and team grades. This prepared the millennials to be good at collaboration, but they are often uncomfortable if expected to work all alone. This made working from home during the pandemic particularly challenging.
More Millennial Characteristics and Preferences
Adults in their 20s and 30s are confident and expect to be successful at work. They are frequently impatient with large bureaucracies and expect to receive training, promotions and travel opportunities. Young workers expect to be included in company communications and treated as peers with senior executives. They do not expect to work for any one employer for an extended period of time. A Deloitte survey found that more than half do not think that companies are ethical nor that executives are committed to helping society.
Unlike the boomers, who were famous for not trusting anyone over 30 when they were young, the millennials remain close with their parents well into adulthood.
Millennials and Community
Millennials are generous and comfortable volunteering with community projects. They are concerned about the environment and climate change. Most millennials grew up with diversity and inclusion at school and expect this to continue in the workplace.
No surprise to anyone, the millennials are extremely comfortable with technology and simultaneously live in a digital world that may or may not parallel their in-person lives.
Thanks to the Consultants Network of CNY I had the chance to meet Ron Crawford of Unleased Potential who has focused on helping small and mid-size businesses develop their leaders and expand their success. He shared some useful tips and suggested The Trophy Kids Grow Up by Ron Alsop.
Other Resources:
- Gartner - Millennial Digital Workers Really Do Differ From Their Elders
- Gallop - How Millennials Want to Work and Live
- Deloitte - Gen Z and Millennial Survey
Contact me to explore ways to harness generational diversity within your organization.
