How Millennials will alter the workplace
A different breed of worker has begun to enter the workforce, bringing with them a different set of values and a new perspective. Last month’s Ohio Young e-CPA brought you the article “Millennials: A new force in the workplace” which discussed general attributes of this generation and what they’re looking for in a career.
With about 80 million members, this group is larger than the Baby Boomer generation. It’s no wonder members of the professional world are paying close attention to the Millennials (also known as Gen Y).
As these Gen Yers start to advance in their careers, employers and observers have come up with some predictions on how Millennials will change the workplace as the older generations know it:
- Promotions will have little to do with seniority. Millennials want to be valued for their ideas and abilities over their length of experience – they don’t adhere to the notion that everyone who has ‘paid their dues’ has what it takes to be a manager.
- Millennials know how to work effectively with others. They’ll make sure their organizations use teamwork to its full potential.
- The workday will be shorter but more productive. Gen Y is all about efficiency and they’ll figure out how to get more done in less time.
Furthermore, expect to spend less time in the board room, as they recognize that drawn-out meetings sap creativity and productivity and prolong the workday.
- Mentorship will increase. Career development is important to this generation, so they’re going to seek out guides. They will also mentor up. Having been immersed in technology from a young age, they’re comfortable with it, and they’ll show the less tech-savvy generations how to leverage it.
- Social networks will become more prevalent in business. As the largest segment of the population using social media space, it’s a way of life that they’ll apply in the workplace. Employees who network are better problem-solvers, as they are more likely to exchange ideas and solutions with their peers. Organizations can use the social networking phenomenon to build their training and networking programs.
For more insight on how Millennials will alter the workplace, check out the articles, “10 ways Generation Y will change the workplace” by Ryan Healy, founder of Brazen Careerist, an online career center for Gen Yers, and “What do Millennials teach us about the workplace?” by Aaron Green, founder of two Boston-based staffing companies.
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LAST UPDATED 9/4/2008