Millennials represent the fastest-growing cohort of employees, and they are reshaping the way we work, particularly in traditional industries. They are a group broadly defined as those born between 1982 – 2000 and they have different needs than the generations that came before them.
Millennials are well educated, tech-savvy, very self-confident, able to multi-task and have plenty of energy. They have high expectations for themselves and prefer to work in teams, rather than as individuals. They do seek challenges, but work work-life balance is of utmost importance to them.
They question the rules
Since millennials are more likely than previous generations to question directions or policies that don’t make sense to them, it is crucial for employers to have their workplace rules set out transparently and the rationale behind them explained. The millennial generation is less likely to stick it out in demanding professions that require employees to “pay their dues”.
For instance, if it is necessary to work in the office because of the confidential nature of the information involved, and the particular confidentiality measures set up on work equipment, this should be explained to employees.
Injury at work
As the largest group to emerge since the baby boom generation, and as a group that will grow significantly as a proportion of the workforce over the next twenty years, millennials will be more prone to sustaining workplace injuries or illnesses. If you belong to this group, are a part of the current workforce, and sustain an injury while working, you may be eligible to claim superannuation insurance benefits.
However, in order to confirm your claim, you may need to contact superannuation lawyers so they read through the small print of your superannuation policy and identify which of these insurance benefits you might be able to claim. To be eligible to claim, your policy needs to be in force either at the date of injury or the date last worked.
Flexible work hours and socialization at work
The millennial generation tends to look at hierarchies as flat, rather than vertical. They expect a high level of socialization and collegiality in the workplace and usually prefer to work in groups rather than individually. Similarly, not knowing life before the internet and 24/7 connectivity, millennials do not generally draw the distinction between work and the rest of their lives, as other generations have. Millennials tend to think about “work-life blend” rather than “work-life balance”.
This means conducting personal business and socializing at the office, as well as frequently working remotely and outside of normal working hours. However, without clear policies in place, these practices can expose the business to potential overtime claims or data breaches. As 24/7 connectivity and remote working become increasingly popular, employers need to be prepared to confront these issues before they occur.
They want to make an impact
The millennial generation is plugged into social issues and equity, and want to make a positive impact both locally and globally. Moreover, they expect their employers to provide opportunities to be involved in “good causes”. Businesses that empower their workers to make a societal difference, particularly with a local charity, tend to score more engaged and loyal millennial employees.
Similarly, millennials are well educated and understand their rights. Bullying, human rights, and harassment problems are more likely to happen where work-life boundaries are less clear and when personal relationships develop in the workplace.
While the millennial generation is more likely to want closeness with their colleagues, they are also likely to speak up when things go sideways. Educating the entire staff about human rights, accessibility and harassment is fundamental, not to mention legally required.
Although millennials workers are transforming traditional workplace setting, this change has many advantages that far outweigh the perceived headache of rethinking traditional hierarchies. The emerging new workforce is as engaged as ever, keen on participating in a meaningful way without merely punching the clock, and can bring an important perspective to any company looking to continue being relevant in the modern business world.
