Workplace vs. New Generations

We live in a dynamic world where the pace of change is speeding up rapidly. It’s getting more complex and competitive. New strategies, sharpened skills and tactics will be required.

Businesses have to do something to keep afloat, especially in this period of recession.

Here’s what they have to do: to hire a new generation of employees. There are no terrible businesses; just management through lack of vision and leadership that fail to explore the opportunities that lie before them.

Managers that are accustomed to using specific ways to engage their old generations of workers are going to have to change their ways if they hope to engage and retain their new cohorts; the millennials. They bring an increased number of workers in the workforce and some remarkable changes.

Given their consistent increase of workers in the office, it is crucial to understand who these employees are and what they want from your organization.

Millennials have a significantly different outlook on what they expect from their employment experience. They are well-educated, technology-skilled, very self-confident, can multi-task and have plenty of energy.

They prefer to work in teams rather than individually.

Some ways to engage the Millennials.

The millennials are very different from the old generation of workers. This means that (and as stated earlier) creating engagement strategies and techniques is one of management’s big goals. When trying to find ways to engage new generation workers, consider these two thoughts; first, are millennials, and the older generation needs different? Are they different enough to demand different engagement strategies for each generation? Second, identify which engagement drives were appropriate for each age. A millennial-friendly office is not just about beauty; it is more about improving the overall workplace experience for employees.

Here are some ways of making your office millennial-friendly:

1. Have a simple home comfort in the workplace. Young people don’t separate home life from work as much as the previous generation. When they are at work, they need to be comfortable as they usually are at home. Employers can accommodate simple home comforts like a kitchen with places that stores food or snacks, areas with couches for collaborations with coworkers, quiet spaces for independent work.

2. Creating spaces for collaboration and creativity. This gives young employees varieties in the workplace and supports their desire for social interaction during the day. This means fewer cubicles and private offices and more open spaces for communications. Now, these spaces are not just another boardroom; but breakout spaces, lounges. Hallways, kitchens or areas with couches. This kind of environment has been proven to increase productivity. Employees are likely to be more productive and stay engaged when they have the freedom to move around while working.

3.  Alter your work environment to keep up with modern needs. A modernized office environment can inspire and engage young workers and increase retention. Put their mindset into consideration and create a work environment in which they will succeed. This will show that you care and they will work harder and stay longer.