This morning, I did a presentation for a professional organization that was all about motivating millennials in the workplace.
Millennials often get a bad rap. They’ve been called lazy, entitled, and they are also apparently murderers.
As a millennial myself, I get highly annoyed at these stereotypes. The fact of the matter is this:
By 2030, 75% of the workforce will be made up of millennials.
So before you go worrying if we’re going to kill the entire workforce, consider these reassuring stats:
- Millennials rarely disconnect from work (33% admit to checking on work channels before social media).
- On average, millennials say they plan on staying at their current job for 10 years.
- It’s not just snacks and pool tables: 52% said opportunity for progression makes for a great employer.
- 93% of millennials find skill development crucial for their career path.
We’re not asking for much, just things like:
- Work/life balance: 95% say it’s important.
- Family Benefits: 83% are willing to make a job change based on these. 41% of working parents say a lack of these benefits have negatively impacted their performance at work.
- Diversity: We’ve come to expect things like gender and racial diversity; now consider cognitive diversity (values, philosophies, approaches, etc.). Millennials want to hear more voices and ideas from different people to help foster transparency and inclusivity.
- Purpose: This demographic wants to work for the greater good, and has a desire to give back.
I asked on Twitter yesterday for perspectives on being a millennial in the workplace and my millennial people delivered! Read the responses here and some screen shots are also seeded throughout.
I also included stats on Gen Z. While the youngest of this generation is only eight years old and nowhere near the workforce, older Gen Zs are just out of college – 22 & 23 – and ripe for development.
My biggest tip? LISTEN to this generation. Since we’re going to dominate work, ask us for feedback and insights and give us the tools we need to continue to develop into leaders.
Click the image below to check out the entire presentation. (All sources linked at the end of the deck.)
