I’m a millennial and I work, live, and hang out with lots of other millennials. Contrary to the cliches that millennials are entitled and lazy, I think we’re actually a pretty goal-oriented, driven, hard-working crowd – we just don’t want to do it the old 8-5, working hard means working long way.
We also don’t need free snacks, ping pong tables, or fancy swag. Don’t get me wrong, those things are nice, but it’s not what drives us.
Here are some things millennials want out of a job/career, and I think you’ll find that they aren’t that different from what anyone would want –
clearly communicated expectations and goals
a powerful shared mission/vision
efficiency in systems and processes to get things done so we can get on to other things like side hustles, personal interests, and time with friends and family
incentive to work smarter, not harder – be it extra PTO days or bonus pay
autonomy to drive and complete projects without micromanagement
provision of and access to resources that allow us to to our job well
good compensation for our skillset and experience
a strong sense of community and camaraderie
the opportunity to contribute and do good, within the company and our community
ongoing training and mentorship
the opportunity to grow and advance, in position and compensation
flexibility to take care of our personal lives without being punished for it – either directly or passive aggressively
Because these things are not fluff, but rather lay at the heart of how an organization is run, it can be hard to see at time.
The things listed above challenge a workplace to be employee-centric instead of bottom-line focused. But you know, take care of your employees and we’ll take care of your bottom line.
Another challenge for companies is that, in order to give the autonomy, resources, clear communication – there has to be effort in critical thinking and shifting of priorities and systems and processes; there needs to be a pause to say – how do we streamline things and organize things so people can be project driven instead of time driven (ie – more time spent on something = hard work and dedication)…how do we organize our information and workflow so that people can access it wherever they are?
It’s a move away from “how we’ve always done it.”
But if moving away from “how we’ve always done it,” even if it’s got some hiccups and bumps in the road to start, creates a more productive and engaged workforce – isn’t it worth it?
I would venture to say yes, but I will let you make that decision for yourself.
Sindy Hankins 