Managing the Next Generation

Today's workforce looks and acts much differently than any in the past. Millennials, a term used to describe people born between 1981 and 1999, have completed their education and want to join the ranks of corporate America. Also known as Generation Y or the Internet Generation, Millennials comprise the largest group since the Baby Boomers.

Qualities of Millennials

What makes this group of eager young workers unique?

• Technology savvy. Millennials integrate technology into nearly every aspect of their daily lives. Their savvy far outpaces previous generations, especially when it comes to virtual communication.
• Flexibility. Given the ever-changing and fast-paced world in which they grew up, it comes as little surprise that Millennials thrive in diverse positions that require multi-tasking.
• Success-driven and responsible. Many experts believe the personality traits of young workers reflect the environment in which they were brought up – doting parents who motivated and encouraged them, a fast-paced and dynamic world, and the ability to interact with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• The perfect employee candidate? Between a talent for developing relationships, a can-do attitude and the ability to easily learn new skills and technologies, Millennials may well represent the ideal employee.

Managing Millennials

As this new group enters the workforce, managers must educate themselves about their new employees and adjust their strategies and techniques to make the most of performance, productivity, satisfaction and loyalty. To reap the benefits of Millennials' positive qualities, consider the following tips:

• Allow for socializing. Social relationships stand as one of the strengths and needs of Millennials. For this reason, managers may need to consider chit-chat somewhat of a necessity, as long as it doesn't affect productivity.
• Challenge Millennials. As a generation that listens to the iPod, text messages, and converses with friends, sometimes all at once, Millennials need continual challenge to hold their interest.
• Create teamwork opportunities. Millennials look for a collaborative, team environment and appreciate employers who encourage this work culture.
• Allow for creativity and autonomy. Unless given an allowance for innovative thinking, Millennials will grow bored. Freedom to work in an open-minded environment increases their satisfaction and efficiency.
• Make them prove themselves. Unlike the generation before, Millennials don't fear taking on greater responsibility. Encourage them to work for their kudos.
• Motivate without the money. Millennials prefer time off, positive encouragement, employee perks and a team they enjoy rather than a bigger paycheck.

In an age in which talent will become the top competitive advantage, now's the time to understand Millennials and allow these flexible employees to climb your company's corporate ladder.