The workplace dynamic and culture is rapidly changing. For the first time ever, four generations of employees are working side by side and organizations must now learn how to manage and train these distinctively different workers.
At Inno-Versity, we believe it is essential to develop customized training so that all age groups are represented. We understand each generation has their own unique learning style. Good training considers the variety of learners, encourages the development of desirable behaviors and clearly conveys expectations in order to motivate all employees.
As Baby Boomers begin to reach the twilight of their career and Generation X and Y are moving into upper management, Millennials are struggling to understand where they fit within the corporate structure.
Here are some key understandings about Millennials:
- Millennials will make up as much as 75% of the U.S. workforce by 2025
- Millennials account for more than $1 trillion in U.S. consumer spending
- 87% of Millennials disagreed with the statement that “money is the best measure of success,” compared to about 78% of the total population
- 64% of Millennials would rather make $40,000 a year at a job they love than $100,000 a year at a job they think is boring
- 63% of Millennials want their employer to contribute to social or ethical causes they felt were important
When developing training specifically aimed at the Millennial workforce, we have some key goals in mind at Inno-Versity. We want to bridge the generation gap, develop and implement training that resonates with Millennials, and create a culture that attracts and cultivates young talent, which leads to growth and management opportunities. We understand that training must be available in a variety of formats geared toward that unique Millennial learning style.
Just what is their style? We have found the best way to connect with this generation is to develop training that is compatible with the technology that they are currently using. Highly visual infographics and video with short bursts of copy is a must. We also find that Millennials like and need feedback, explicated expectations, ongoing training and validation. And finally, it is especially important with this group to make sure the content is relevant to their job and ties directly back to a task or matrix within your organization.
Inno-Versity recently released a podcast with Kristen Hadeed. Kristen, a Millennial herself, owns Student Maid and employs many Millennials in her organization. Kristen is an amazing woman and her leadership skills and business savvy are top-rate. Her ability to encourage both Millennials and corporate clients is superb. Plus, she’s a lot of fun! We are pleased to call her a friend of Inno-Versity.
Kristen’s blog offers many ideas and suggestions about Millennials in the workplace.
Here are five of our favorites:
- Invest in People: A Temporary Solution. “I’m proud to say that we have flipped the term “temporary worker” on its head. We use it as a motivator for success. We instill our staff members with passion, pride and determination. People feel good about working for a company that cares for and empowers its employees. At the core of our culture is preparing employees for success in the real world.”
- Say no when you need to: Yes, You Can Say No. “I am often asked, “How do you do it all?!” like I’m a superhero or something. I wish I could say I have cool Wonder Woman powers, like the ability to stop time and interruptions until I get a task done, but I don’t. I have just learned how to say, “No!” Because we are human and compassionate people, we feel bad about letting others down and hurting their feelings. It took me a long time to realize this, but the fact is, if you don’t say “no” and you truly aren’t interested in what that person is selling or asking, you are hurting them more in the long run when you aren’t direct. Your time is valuable, and so is theirs.”
- Hold people and yourself accountable: Leadership Secret: Tough Love “All great leaders know that accountability is key, but the best leaders know that the goal is to make people better. Guess what this means? Confronting issues head on, pointing out bad habits and having the most uncomfortable conversations in the world—this is tough love, and to be a successful leader, you better start doing it. When people make promises and don’t follow through, and when they have bad habits—you’ve got to tell them. Why? If you don’t, no one else will, and their behavior will become repetitive. When you don’t hold the people you’re leading accountable and avoid all conflict, you’re actually being extremely destructive to their growth.”
- Delegate: Stop Micromanaging “When you put your blood, sweat and tears into the work you do, it can be scary to relinquish control. The fact of the matter is if you can’t trust your people, then who can? Delegation is a hard skill to master, but it is absolutely essential and will instill a sense of autonomy in your employees. It is the only way that your employees will take ownership of the work they do, and it is instrumental to your success even more than it is to theirs.”
- Keep your promises: Promises Kept “So remember, under promise and over deliver. Always. And while you’re at it, look for other business principles you use every day that can make you more successful in your personal life.”
If you are interested in learning more about working with Millennials or need training that accommodates your changing workplace landscape, let’s talk. We’ll help you create the perfect customized training program.
Source for the Millennial stuff. http://www.brookings.edu/blogs/brookings-now/posts/2014/06/11-facts-about-the-millennial-generation
All Blog quotes from Kristen’s Blog: http://kristenhadeed.com/blog/
