Millennials are the young adults who were born after 1981 and are considered to be the “future leaders” of society. They have ambitious career goals, are technologically sound, have high emotional intelligence, and are ready to replace the “soon to retire” Baby Boomers. Unlike their predecessors, millennials are looking for more than just a job. They look for roles that are interesting and that advance their career. This is why organizations need to redefine their management style, company culture and modify expectations to be more attractive to their main workplace occupants: millennials.

“Millennials want to work for organizations that prioritize purpose over profit. It’s as simple as that.” – Punit Renjen, Global CEO, Deloitte

Here’s what millennials expect from their career and workplace:

flexibility

Millennials expect freedom, responsibility, and flexibility early in their careers. They like to take their own individualized approach and make their mark. Allowing the individual to apply creativity at work or adopting less formal attire at work are some simple approaches that will make a millennial feel confident and comfortable in the organization. Providing clear and concise instructions, achievable goals, and clear deadlines along with these approaches will allow them to develop their individuality and nurture their leadership qualities.

using technology

The millennial generation is recognized for their use of technology and their adaptability to new and future technological changes. Given that most millennials prefer email over face-to-face conversations with their employers and most believe that access to technology makes them more effective at work, it’s not surprising that adapting to up-to-date technological advances in the organization enable a millennial to be more productive and responsive. Millennials respond better to interactive online learning tools, online testing tools, and training videos rather than lectures and lectures. Using technology means being more accessible, which millennials resonate perfectly with.

work environment

A good work environment is about the energy of the workplace rather than the office space being really pretty. Millennials expect the energy of coworkers to be high and engaging rather than sitting in closed cubicles. They feel most comfortable in a high-energy environment, a motivating and encouraging leader, and an open, well-ventilated workplace. Millennials believe that having an open workplace removes barriers, both figuratively and literally, allowing them to interact with other coworkers in terms of work, knowledge, information sharing, and creating a fun environment. Millennials expect their employer to be more of a leader than just a manager. Having someone provide constructive feedback, discuss goals, and offer advice for improvement provides more structured development in terms of career and personal growth. Most of these work environment factors allow a millennial to have a more seasoned view of the company vision and, in return, better retention and happier future leaders.

Work-life balance and other benefits

Young workers expect a better work-life balance. It is observed that millennials are ready to accept a lower paying job that provides better balance and stability. Millennials are not only looking for organizations that provide a better work-life balance, but also mental and physical health programs. Companies may need to prioritize employee mental health, as studies show millennial employees experience depression more than other generations (approximately one in five millennials report experiencing depression, according to an investigation of the employee assistance program provider Bensinger, Dupont & Associates).

To conclude, millennials have different desires and aspirations in terms of work and career compared to their predecessors. It is not unusual to see these young workers hold 4-5 jobs in the first 6-10 years of their career. With a greater emphasis on skills development and career progression, millennials are looking for a job that provides growth in these areas. They want the company to inspire, support, and invest in their potential. By fostering your career development and workplace satisfaction, work will be more than just a job. By implementing better talent management solutions, organizations can ensure that they help millennials recognize their skills and increase retention.