There are blogs, whitepapers and articles galore about working with Millennials, and the importance for us to get it right, and yes, this is another one - but with a difference.
We know that this younger age group has reduced the average tenure in the workplace to approximately 3 years. We also know they have high demands on what they expect from a job and a company. So many Managers and Executives consider this generation to be lazy and difficult, and in reducing the average tenure, now cost businesses more in lost productivity.
As a manager, I challenge you with this:
is it their fault or is it ours?
In business, if you don’t innovate, growth stalls. Fail to evolve, and your business will become extinct. Just as we need to constantly reinvent our products and services to remain relevant, we as Managers and leaders need to embrace change and evolve, to enhance our relevance to this important workforce - Millennials.
Many of my generation (stop guessing - yes, I am part of the hard done-by Gen X's) sought a solid career with a strong company, that would enable us to climb the ladder, give us stable income and development opportunities. Is that so different to what this generation is wanting?
We know that this next generation is fuelling technology advancements and developments, that when I started were not yet even a wild dream. Remember the telex or the shared data entry terminal?! Yes, this was only in the last 20 years. Now the telex has been replaced by instant messaging services, and we all have data entry terminals in our smartphones.
Has it been our work ethic and that of our Baby Boomer forefathers, that have stimulated the somewhat rebellious nature of the Gen Y? But if you are truly honest, you would just like me, secretly envy their free form passion and devotion that seems to mirror a modern age "Woodstock" movement.
We as leaders know it all, of course we do… well, except how to build an archive folder for our email, or copy contacts from one smartphone to another, and don't start me on setting the program record on the PVR. I hope you can see where I am going here! We all have something of value to exchange - it is more about if we are willing to share.
Recent surveys from both the UK and USA have further supported the positive nature of millennials, and how they wish to work with us. The results of how Millennials want to engage within an organisation may surprise you.
There are some simple things that you, your team, and your company can do to capitalise on this.
Embrace the Digital Native Perspective: They have grown up with social collaboration, and have developed vast virtual collaboration opportunities such as Yammer, Atlassian, and Slack - all commercialised by Millennials. Therefore, my recommendation is to actively allow the Millennials to be part of the solution and the evolution of your collaboration tool set, and the driving force behind the education of the broader workforce.
Leverage Technology that supports more flexible workstyles: We know that Millennials value the opportunity to work more flexible hours and in more flexible locations. It is important that collaboration tools and environments capitalise on the technology available to allow delivery on the promise of flexibility they value so highly - accessibility by tablet, smartphone and desktop is mandatory.
Support with constructive and inclusive feedback: As I mentioned earlier, team work is an important part of the Millennial belief system - they value our input, as long as it is constructive and not restrictive. Enable their entrepreneurial spirit by focusing on the end goal, and giving the freedom as to how they get there.
Our work lives from at least 8:30am to 5:30pm comprise sitting in a cubical firing off emails, instant messaging and maybe a smattering of corporate social media (let's face it!). I say, remove the cubical and barriers and add long benches, and eclectic desks and chairs that create open space and encourage collaboration. All the best intentions can fall over in execution - build a practical and safe environment that creates a positive basis for collaboration and watch the magic happen.
Let me know your thoughts and examples of the great, and the not so great collaboration enablers.
Copyright: 2015 "We come in Peace, we want only to collaborate" - Millennials" Darren Needham-Walker
Note: this blog is personal opinion based on experience of the author