I am constantly surprised by the attitude people take towards Millennials. While some may view it as right on target, I tend to disagree. I heard someone talking the other day about how they felt Millennials were going to ruin the workplace, that their work ethics would cause a major rift in the ability of companies to complete tasks and remain profitable. While Millennials may have a different way of viewing work and performing in their jobs than previous generations, the idea that they will ruin the workplace is absurd. The reality is, for those managers who are utilizing Millennials ideas and energy, they are finding that they are actually improving the workplace.
One example was a story I read of a young Millennial who began working for a staffing company. The owner was appalled that her brand new employee was already telling her how to run her business. And what was her new employee’s suggestion? Put applications online so the company could reach a larger pool of applicants. Ok, I may not be brilliant, but to me that's a great idea. Turns out that the owner eventually let go of her ego (yes, I said it…ego) and decided to try the idea. Guess what, it helped the company reach a new pool of applicants and reduced some of their costs associated with applications.
Another example I heard came from a presentation I attended last week. I'll share more about that presentation tomorrow, but here was the most important thing I heard that day. The speaker shared with the audience that they had recently hired 5 new Millennial employees in his office. He had his reservations when they started making suggestions about things the business could do better. Despite his concerns, they implemented one which saved the company SEVERAL THOUSAND DOLLARS. Good thing he let go of his pre-conceived ideas of new hires!
Here's the point of this. We are so quick to dismiss Millennials ideas because we feel like they haven't worked long enough to have any real sense of what it takes to run a business. They haven’t paid their dues the way we had to! That’s old thinking and it’s time we left it in the past and let this new generation make a difference. The reality is that Millennials have some pretty darn good ideas that have the potential to save their companies a lot of time and money. It's time we stopped pushing this generation into the same box that we have placed every other generation. They are different. From the way they dress to the way they share their ideas and lives. We truly need to understand that they are going to change the workplace but not by ruining it. Use their talents and enthusiasm. Listen to their ideas and stop allowing your ego to tell you that no “kid” is going to tell you how to run your business. You hired them to make a difference, now let them!
Research Project
I am currently working on a research project on Generational Differences. It will focus on a varity of issues but will have an element directed specifically to the workplace. I am hoping to get 1000 responses by the end of summer. I will have it posted here and would appreciate your help in getting to my goal. My plan is to use the information to help employers understand where the potential problems may be in the workplace as different generations of employees attempt to work together. I should have the survey link up in a few months.
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