Tips for Millennial Management
We have discussed what millennials really want in the workplace and briefly touched upon how managers can recruit and retain this up and coming breed of employees. So what else can employers do to ensure that millennials are kept happy and remain loyal?
Provide structure. Millennials were raised and are accustomed to structure; they expect this to be commonplace in the workplace. Employers should define clear and consistent job assessment criteria’s.
Provide leadership and guidance. Millennials prefer to follow leaders who are honest and treat them with respect. One of their strongest traits is that they welcome and expect regular, detailed feedback and to be praise for a good job. Millennials want know the ‘in’s and out’s’ of what is going on in the working environment. Employers should spend time coaching and guiding millennials which will keep millennials engaged in their work. Leadership and guidance will develop millennials enabling them to acquire new skills and abilities which they strive for.
Help millennials to grow. Working alongside providing leadership and guidance, managers need to really understand the personal and professional goals of millennials. Rotate assignments more frequently to give them a sense that they are moving toward something and gaining a variety of experiences. Challenge them to come up with new ways to streamline processes and to exercise creativity.
Millenials are team players. They are used to working in groups and teams, in contrast to the lone wolf of previous generations. They believe a team can accomplish more than working seperately. They are natural collaborators, particularly when the group’s purpose and goals are understood.
Listen to the millennial employee. These young adults have ideas and opinions, and don't take kindly to having their thoughts ignored. Millennials can provide you with a fresh pair of eyes and could come with useful idea’s that the other generations may have failed to see.
Take advantage of millennial technological literacy. Not all employees will be up to date with the latest communication trends, allow Millennials to share their technological knowledge to other generations in the workplace.
Provide a life-work balanced workplace. Millennials are looking for a good work/life balance. They work hard, but they are deterred by working unsociable hours. Millennials want to be able to work in the way that suits them best. Their extensive use of technology means that the line between work and home has become increasingly blurred, although many would prefer to work in an office than alone. In short millennials want flexibility in their jobs.
Provide a fun workplace. Millennials want to enjoy where they work. An environment that is comfortable and creative. This type of employee-focused environment may seem like an indulgence, but it is actually good for retention – and good for business because engaged employees are more productive.
Expect millennials to go: Like it or not, milleninials have a higher turnover rate than other generations, staying with a company for an average of 2 years. Many have made compromises in finding their first job, and this should be built into your plans. But if managers treat millennials well then they may have a higher chance of retaining them for years to come.