millennials in the workplace - how to better connect with them in the workplace

September 2015

The Power of Millennials

- How to better connect with them in the

workplace

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Who are the Millennials?

• The generation born beginning in 1980 (and defined for the purposes of this analysis as adults ages 18-34)

• The Millennials or Generation Y may be known as echo boomers because they are the children of baby boomers, or someone who was born during the period of increased birth rates that occurred between 1946 and 1964.

• The Millennials are also referred to as Millennials, the Internet generation, iGen, and/or the Net generation and Generation Y.

Source: www.education-portal.com

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In the Workplace

91% of Millennials expect to stay in their current job for 3 years or less, with

45% of companies reporting higher turnover rates among this group vs. other generations.

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By 2015, more than 50% of all employees

worldwide will be born after 1980 and this number is set to

grow to 75% by 2025.

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Millennials have no problem leaving a job for one that will be more accommodating to their personal values and ambitions. However while they are

ambitious to move up in their careers, loyalty to an organisation is not a particularly strong value.

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It is important to understand that Millennials behave differently, and need different types of solutions to stay engaged at work.

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The Personality Traits of Millennials

• Motivated by ‘Meaning’

• Challenge Hierarchical Structures

• Want a Relationship with Their Boss

• Tech Savvy, To Say The Least

• Open to Change

• Task (Not Time) Oriented

• Have a Hunger for Learning

• Crave Constant Feedback

• Want Recognition

• Want to have ‘fun’

(even in the workplace)

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Motivated by “Meaning”

Millennials are constantly on the lookout for a job that provides more ‘meaning’. According to Fast Company, ‘meaningful work’ for the millennials is/are:

• They are able to share their gifts

• Make an impact in the lives of life

• Live your desired quality of life

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Challenge Hierarchical Structures

• Not afraid to share their opinions and ideas

• Not afraid to challenge their superiors

• Believe that the possible outcome is from listening to everybody’s point of view.

• Prefer a cross-functional way of working that transcends the constraints of rank

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Tech Savvy, To Say The Least

• Heavy digital use

• Use social media as a source for learning and seeking for information

• Breath technology

• Prefer texting to talking


Open to Change

Millennials believe that things are constantly changing; therefore, they don’t always agree with doing something a certain way just because it’s how it’s always been done.


Task (Not Time) Oriented

• Measure productivity by work completed, not by time spent in the office

• Feel comfortable telecommuting and don’t mind working late nights and weekends, while recognizing the importance of taking personal time to recharge, for themselves and for their work.


Have a Hunger for Learning

• Skill sets and amassing knowledge, holding intellectual stimulation as a top factor in workplace motivation.

• They want to understand ‘why’ and are motivated to work harder when they understand the importance of the particular task

• Social media is a key channel for learning and information transfer.


Crave Constant Feedback

• Not looking for constant praise but feedback

• Want to ‘keep score’ on how they’re doing in all aspects

Source: Business Insider


Want RecognitionCrave indications that their superiors approve of their work

89% saying a reward should be given for a job well done


(Don’t Just) Want To Have Fun!

• The Millennials want to be happy at work, so much so that 50% of Gen Y workers would rather be unemployed then work at a job they hate.

Google Office – Zurich

Source: www.businessnewsdaily.com


Communication is Essential to Engaging with the Millennials

The Millennials value transparency and communication from employers. So to engage these young workers, companies need to learn to listen to millennials and

communicate with them about company culture, business objectives, career paths and more.


Learn to Welcome and Retain your Millennial Staff in the Right Way

Although corporate hierarchies will probably always exist, making everyone within an organization, especially the newest members of the workforce, understand their value and importance to the company is crucial.

To produce their best work, Millennials need to feel engaged in what they’re doing. Keep them in the loop and do so on a regular basis.

Source: The Huffington Post


The Belief and Mission of The Company Matters to Millennials

Millennials want to work for companies that have a positive impact on society. They want to identify with the company’s brand, its footprint, a greater cause.

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Let’s take a look at the Google YouTube Office - by the Millennials for the Millennials

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YouTube – San Bruno, California• Houses a large play button and flat screens on the wall which constantly

plays a YouTube trends playlist so employees stay up to date with happenings on the site.

• Collaboration is at the heart of all YouTube projects, and the office space supports it with open areas and communal style work spaces. Employees from all levels and positions sit side by side and work together.

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• Natural lighting and a comfortable work environment is a top priority for all Google offices. This roof level room hosts a range of couches and sofas that are used for meetings.

• The backdrop is decorated with a YouTube video wall that includes snapshots from some of the top videos of all time.

Workplace Environment Matters

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• YouTube’s Headquarters offers complimentary breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

• Head Chef Trent Page, from top San Francisco restaurant Quince, keeps over 500 YouTubers healthy and full every day with his signature dishes.

The Office as Your Second Home

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The BrandLab is a place for customers - executives and their advertising or creative agencies who are charged with building brands and growing revenue - to think through how they can create better connections with people.

Creating Better Connections

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Google built the Google BrandLab to best serve its clients as a digital partner to help more brands harness the full potential of the web. It created this physical space in September of 2012, where employees can collaborate with brands and agencies, so they can tell their story

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YouTube’s San Bruno HQ’s are the only Google office with a full length lap pool. This indoor pool is connected to the fitness center, which offers swim classes or

paid-personal trainings. Some Youtubers even teach the classes themselves.

Providing a Relaxing Place and Facilities for Employee Health and Well-Being

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Why walk when you can ride? YouTube’s HQ’s are stocked with scooters and bikes for meeting to meeting transportation.

Google’s (YouTube) emphasis on health, wellness, and fitness doesn’t stop at the gym and fitness centers – “walkstations” are scattered throughout the office so YouTubers can leave their desks and take a treadmill stroll while on the computer.

Creating a Fun Workplace Environment

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The grand YouTube slide stretches the length of one full story, connecting the second and third floors.

Create a Play Ground at Work

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Create a Play Ground at WorkFor a quick break or meeting over some golf, the putting green is the perfect place to chat


How Should Employers Connect with Millennials in the Workplace?

• Cultivate an environment of continuous learning

• Invest in learning technology

• Offer training in workplace behaviour and culture

Source: www.mindtickle.com

• Provide mentoring and coaching

• Set clear targets and offer regular and structured feedback

• Give recognition for accomplishments

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millennials in the workplace - how to better connect with them in the workplace

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