Millennials (those who are 26-41 years old) make up over a third of the current workforce. Each generation brings with it a different mindset. It’s helpful to understand what motivates a millennial and adapt your management style to better lead them.
Here are a few tips on how to better understand millennials in the workplace, what management styles work, and what helps them excel.
Give It to Them Straight
While millennials won’t tolerate a mentally toxic work environment, they also don’t want disingenuous positivity masking bad news. Transparency in how the business runs and changes that will affect them is key to earning their trust.
A recent article from Business News Daily states, “Managing millennials in the workplace requires business owners to be transparent.” So keeping them abreast of things happening behind the scenes is a must to keep a loyal workforce.
Sites like Glassdoor allow former employees to give reviews of what it was like to work for you. And potential candidates take these reviews seriously when considering a job, making it important to run your business with honesty and integrity.
More Work-Life Balance
Part of keeping millennials satisfied in the workplace is recognizing the importance of work-life balance and allowing flexibility in their schedules. Whether it’s different shifts or working from home, their ability to get the work done should be your primary concern.
Millennials are extremely tech savvy, so if they can stay connected and work from home, there’s no reason to think that their work would dip.
They Want to Be Heard
Allowing your millennial workforce to improve processes in the company’s workflow seems like a straightforward decision. But egos can sometimes impede this.
If you want your millennial employees to be satisfied with their positions, let their voices be heard and listen to their suggestions. Many times, the ideas they have are forward-thinking, and can improve your business processes.
They Want a Path to a Better Future
Another important part of making millennials feel at home, is giving them room to grow within your company or just as a worker in general. They are looking for employers that can provide ongoing education in their field, a career path where they can see themselves growing and making career advancements.
As many millennials are looking toward the future and their best interests, don’t be disappointed that company loyalty isn’t their strong suit. Nurture them to be the best they can be in their time with your company, but recognize that millennials aren’t afraid to change jobs to advance their careers.
Wrap Up
It is clear what millennials are looking for in order to keep them happy and engaged in the workplace. The question is, can you offer it to them?
If you embrace their tech knowledge, allow them a proper work-life balance, and let their voices to be heard, there’s no reason why they can’t be a loyal member of your team for years to come.
If you’re looking for quality candidates, Nordstrom Williams will help you find them. Set up a call or contact us on our site today! For even further info be sure to also check out our client resources!