Who are the Millennials?
Millennials, Gen Y, Generation Next, Netgeneration: different names for the same generation: those born between 1982 and 2001 and hence now aged between 16 and 35. A lot has been written and discussed about the Millennials. These young adults are “digital natives”- the only generation for which these new technologies are not something they’ve had to adapt to.
Some research indicates that Millennials are rather detached from Institutions, networked with friends, linked by social media, burdened by debt, distrustful of people, in no rush to marry but yet optimistic about the future. Their difficult economic circumstances in part reflect the impact of the major recession of 2007-2009 and in part the longer-term effects of globalization and rapid technological change on the workforce.
What do they want from work?
The quality of their relationships with colleagues and managers is critical to them. From their business leaders they do not expect an authoritarian attitude, but rather support for their empowerment through a relationship based on openness and transparency, and also on the timeliness, frequency and informality of feed-back.
For them, work-life balance is a necessity, not an option. What provides passion in life should at least in part transfer to one's work. They value social relations highly, the ability to compete, to see the impact of one's work and to be acknowledged for the value they generate.
The distinction between work space and personal space should be minimal. At work, Millennials want also to feel a bit at home, with informal spaces for their personal belongings and work tools.
Company culture, a sense of purpose and making an impact on society are all highly important to them. Directly or indirectly, every Millennial wants to change the world, at least a little.
Why are they so important to employers?
Millennials represent the future of work and bring the ideas, skills and competencies necessary for organisations to cope with disruption, to innovate and grow. There is considerable demand for the best millennials and yet concern that they might not be loyal employees. Organisations are starting to recognise that they need to adapt their cultures, workplace policies and employee value propositions to make them attractive to this generation, as well as to the four other generations in the workplace.
If you want to know more about this generation, listen to different points of view and gain awareness on how to get the best out of all generations in the workplace, join us in Amadeus on the 18th of January in the Panel sponsored by Amadeus, PWN Nice Cote d’Azur and EDHEC.