Millennials in the workplace are quickly replacing baby boomers as the largest generation working today. But even as millennials are taking over, there are a lot of personality differences between them and their older counterparts. For baby boomer or Generation X bosses, it can sometimes feel like speaking an entirely different language. So how can you better manage your millennial employees? And will this apply to the next generations entering the workforce as well? Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
- Understand their individuality. There are a lot of stereotypes about millennials as a group. As with most generational stereotypes, there are some that are egregiously exaggerated. While millennials do like to work together in collaboration, it’s also important to recognize their individual contributions, as well. Don’t hinge their success only on the results of a group activity. Allow them each an opportunity to stand out on their own.
- Continually challenge them. One stereotype that may be true about millennials is they don’t like predictability. They want to continuously learn new thing and not let anything feel stale. As soon as they master something, they start to get bored with it. Be prepared to provide challenges throughout their employment.
- Recognize and manage expectations. You will quickly notice how ambitious your millennial employees are, so how do you tap into that? Know they will want promotions regularly, so you need to manage their expectations as far as the makeup of your office. Some environments may allow for quick advancement, while others require a little more time. Give them timelines so they know what to expect.
- Provide and accept feedback. Your millennial employees will want to know how they’re doing, so be sure you provide feedback. Make corrections when necessary, but don’t forget to praise them for a job well done. As much as they like to receive feedback, know that this generation is not afraid to return the favor. Accept their feedback and make changes as necessary.
Do you have more questions about managing millennials at your workplace? Contact the team at Harvard Resource Solutions today.
