Author
Jeremy Badry
Categories
5G Outdoor Wireless Networks
(Note: The following has been submitted as a guest post to CommScope Blogs by Jeremy Badry, account manager at LINX. LINX is a member of CommScope’s PartnerPRO Network and provider of IT networking solutions in the United States. Opinions and comments provided in this guest post, as with all posts to CommScope Blogs, are that of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of CommScope.)
The Millennial Generation is classified as anyone born after 1980 aged 18 to 38 years old. They are the first generation to grow up with the internet at their fingertips and are technologically superior to any other generation. A majority believe that technology has made a positive impact in our world.
Some people say the phrase “technology changes overnight” is uttered by older generations who are not comfortable with change and their ability to adapt. Millennials have grown up, expect and flourish with this constant change. Why not harness the experience and passion right in front of you?
By some reports, Millennials will make up 75 percent of the workforce by 2025, so a business’ future depends on the success, and happiness, of your Millennial workforce. The companies that attract, retain and foster Millennial talent will win and the ones who won’t will fail.
To some, the word “Millennial” can carry negative connotations like lazy and entitled; however, Millennials are showing that’s an incorrect perception. One study shows 21 percent of Millennials in the United States have taken a second job to make ends meet. And, the average Millennial work week in the United States, Brazil, and Norway is 45 hours a week versus the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. of past generations.
Taking selfies and personal posts do not necessarily make them narcissistic, they are simply engaging in the ever-present social media culture. “Just do it because I said so” does not work on Millennials—they need to know the why and when. They seek more interaction and coaching by managers but need to understand the details. So, what makes a successful millennial workplace?
Don’t chain them to a desk
Millennials believe that life is done alongside others so collaborative spaces are essential for productivity. Having access to social media and non-work-related sites can increase productivity. If the company culture is collaborative, you can expect some very creative ideas to surface.
The day doesn’t fit into 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Millennials are so technologically advanced and are completely comfortable working from a lounge chair or a coach seat on an airplane. Define the expectations and you might be surprised how much work gets done from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. or when a Millennial takes a Monday off and works on a Saturday instead. Make sure Millennials have internet access and laptop and don’t worry about where it gets done.
Be transparent and authentic
Millennials can tell when someone is not telling the truth or hiding the facts. Earn their trust and loyalty by being visible and up front. Don’t treat them as just another worker. They want to be a vested contributor in the company they admire.
Your company must stand for something
Millennials care about their world and the environment. Earning less money for a company they feel good about is more important than raking in the cash at a job that goes against their principles. Offer more company-wide service days or create a Corporate Social Responsibility program.
If we leverage their passions and create a work environment that promotes collaboration, integrity and new ideas, Millennials could become the greatest workforce in decades.
What have you done to make your work environment more welcoming for Millennials?
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