In the future of work, value alignment is brought up more now than ever. The previous generation often toed the line to an industrial age while the Millennial generation (now mostly in their 30s) are choosing to upgrade to careers that fulfil purpose and alignment with their values.
The famous Simon Sinek video on Millennials has often been received as a misrepresentation of a generation that is asking for better leadership, purpose, and ongoing growth. Tech companies will see in the realm of 70% to 80% of their workforce as Millennials. One of the greatest challenges for organisations will be engaging and retaining them, according to a PWC CEO report.
The problem isn’t actually Millennials or the labels that they have invariably been tarred and feathered with. The challenge is the rapidly moving target that technology presents for all businesses. If you come across a business leader professing that they are untouchable to rapid technology changes they likely are the least prepared and first in line for the replacement by an A.I.
The upgraded advantages that Millennials have right now look like:
1. Technology
Their affinity with the digital world is one of the defining characteristics of the millennial generation. They have grown up with broadband, smartphones, laptops and social media being the norm, and expect instant access to information. They are also the first generation to enter the workplace with a better grasp of these key business tools than most senior workers.
Companies in tune with technology have better chances of attracting and retaining millennials. Millennials are not afraid of changing jobs and in many instances, careers. They will easily only spend two-years at a company and move on.
2. Flexibility of work environment
With flexible work schedules, employees stand to experience a good number of benefits. One that many workers point to is the flexibility to meet family needs, personal obligations, and life responsibilities conveniently. If you have a flexible schedule, it allows for co-parenting, better self-care, less cost of time and money around a daily commute and from many reports create a better output of work.
Flexible work configurations allow employees to work when they accomplish most, feel freshest, and enjoy working.
For the workplace in some cases this has also allowed for smaller building requirements, utilising of co-working spaces or video conferencing tools for team meetings. With the added advantages of businesses connecting with business incubators, startup entrepreneurs and shift their mindset outside of the more traditional business models.
3. Millennials push change
Millennials will most likely quit a job over tech; similarly, the workplace tech would influence the choice when taking on a new job.
Is your project stuck on a hamster wheel conversation death spiral leading nowhere? Consider sticking a Millennial with a great team and/or get in touch with our change management team and watch the project tip on its head and move forward.
