Top 5 Lessons Learned from Millennials in the Workforce

Millennials have been a hot topic for a decade now, and are no longer a novelty in the workplace. They are now its driving force, with Millennials expected to comprise nearly 50% of the workforce by 2020. With Linksters about to take over as the new kids in the office, what have we really learned about Millennials?

I often use my granddaughter Bellamy as an example when talking about Millennials. She explains why words transmitted virtually are both email and text–not! I ask her how a voice text is not the same as a voice mail. She explains why the iPhone 6 is better than the iPhone 7. I stop listening.

I’d like to think her confidence and drive have a lot to do with me, but it seems that she is truly a product of her tech-savvy, socially-motivated, push-the-boundaries, look-at-me generation. And while older generations of employees and employers are at times frustrated and challenged by Millennials, there is also much to be admired. With four generations now working side-by-side, engaging employees of all ages, managing generational gaps, and discovering what every employee has to offer is more important than ever.

Here are the top five lessons I have learned from managing and mentoring Millennials:

Lifestyle is everything. Work is no longer separate from life. Jobs, hobbies and friends are all part of the Millennial idea of work/life blending. Personal and professional priorities have merged into a “lifestyle” or desirable status. Millennial workers often use social media to promote their personal brand and in turn their companies (e.g. Tweeting about enjoying donuts and coffee at a team meeting). Take advantage of this constant self-promotion for employer branding opportunities. For example, ACI recently shared a marketing video featuring employees flying drones during the workday. Who knew drones were the next big thing?

Constant communication is the norm. Millennials are connected to the world and each other 24/7 through multiple communication methods – text, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, email, messaging apps, etc. They also tend to be more social and like to talk and collaborate as a group on projects. Employers should be open to new communication methods and styles and provide avenues for open feedback, questions and comments to truly engage Millennials at work.

Passion is a priority. Professional priorities are changing. Pursuing fulfilling and rewarding work as opposed to simply earning a paycheck seems to be the predominant Millennial attitude. There is more focus on having purpose and creating an impact. By fostering a stimulating, flexible and fun company culture with a strong mission, employers will get greater loyalty and stronger performance from Millennials. Exchange the image of a water-cooler with texting. Don’t we have a bit in common?

Independence is important. Millennials want flexibility, trust and respect for their opinions. Rigid corporate cultures and top-down management are often met with resistance. This may at times seem like entitlement, but I’ve learned that it’s really a way of proving themselves and their originality, and a desire to grow. For the best outcomes, employers should give Millennials the freedom to pursue ideas their own way and solve problems creatively, and make sure there is a support system to catch them when mistakes are made. Great things only happen when there is also the freedom to fail.

Change is necessary. Millennials are highly adaptable. From new technology (wearable devices, drones) to jobs that didn’t exist five years ago (YouTube Director, Twitter Specialist, Chief People Officer) Millennials are early adopters of new products, processes and ideas, as well as creators and innovators. Millennials will challenge the status quo and disrupt business as usual, which is a good thing. As I’ve learned running my company for over three decades, evolution is essential to survival.

Dr. Ann D. Clark is the founder and CEO of ACI Specialty Benefits. The leading provider of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), wellness programs, student assistance, and corporate concierge benefits to customers worldwide, ACI is known for delivering innovative, technology-driven services that help employees and companies thrive. Under Dr. Clark’s leadership, ACI has been named a Top Ten EAP, Healthiest Company, and Best Place to Work, and tops the Hot List for EAPs by Workforce Magazine. A self-proclaimed “nevertiree,” Dr. Clark recently founded the International Chair Yoga Association (ICYA), and can be found joining yoga classes at the office each week when she’s not traveling the world. Dr. Clark is also a best-selling author, with recent works including Cultural Crossroads, Workplace Warfare and Women & Recovery.