Just read this Linked In article on Millennials in the workplace. For any business to succeed in the future they must understand as much as possible this new generation of professionals. In many ways they are not that different than the generation before. Enjoy the read:
by Melissa Suckless Monday, June 15, 2015
Millennials are the up-and-coming generation of working
professionals. Born between 1980-2000, Millennials now make up over half
of the workforce in
Canada and the
United States.
As a Millennial myself, I am well aware of the sweeping statements and
large generalizations that are often made about this generation. Ranging
from partial truths to downright ridiculous, some of these myths can
negatively impact Millennials in the workplace.
Here are 5 myths about Millennials in the workplace and the truths to set the story straight:
Myth: Millennials are lazy and do not want to work hard.
Truth: Millennials are slowly redefining what a
workplace and work culture looks like. Our wants and needs are not
derived out of laziness, but rather grow from what has become broken in
the corporate world. Multi-faceted in our dreams and goals, we seek a
workplace where we can both succeed at our jobs and pursue our passions
in life.
In a
recent study
by Bentley University, 77% of Millennials agree that flexible work
hours would make their workplace more productive. Some companies have
succeeded at introducing flex-hours, creating happier and more engaged
employees as a result – both Millennials and non-Millennials.
Additionally, as the “always-on” generation, we are much more
accessible outside of the workplace than employees have ever been. The
vast majority of Millennials own a smartphone and over 89% admit to
regularly checking their work email after work hours.
Myth: Millennials are job-hoppers who do not believe in company loyalty.
Truth: We want to feel part of something bigger than
our jobs. We are much more likely to stay with a company that is
transparent and engaging. We want employers who are ethical and fair,
not gluttonous and harsh. We are loyal to those who care about us; this
is something that has been slowly changing the culture of management and
continues to make developments.
We are also not quite as different as one may believe. A
survey
conducted by IBM showed that Millennials, Gen X’ers and Baby Boomers
all change jobs for similar reasons. They cite more money and a more
creative workplace as their top reasons for switching employers.
Myth: Millennials are digital addicts who want to do everything online.
Truth: Yes, almost all of us have smartphones,
laptops, and iPads. We enjoy texting and social media in our personal
lives, but it turns out we are not so absorbed in technology at work.
Over half of the respondents in the Bentley study said they would prefer
to talk to colleagues in person, rather than by email, phone, text, or
chat.
As well, IBM found that Millennials’ preferred methods for learning
new skills at work were also not digitally inclined. The top three
methods include: attending a third-party conference, attending in-person
classroom training, and working alongside knowledgeable colleagues.
Myth: Millennials are entitled and need instant gratification for a job well done.
Truth: We do not want a trophy just for showing up,
but we do want feedback. We are used to instant information – not
gratification – because we grew up in the digital age where the answers
to our questions are just one click away. No, simply waiting for a
yearly review will not suit us well. Check in with us from time to time
and let us know if we are meeting your expectations and what we can do
better. Providing both positive and constructive feedback engages
employees and creates a better environment for success.
Myth: Millennials’ career expectations are too high.
Truth: As it turns out, Millennials’ career
expectations are not that different from our older coworkers. According
to IBM, Millennials put the same weight on many of the same career goals
as Gen X’ers and Baby Boomer’s. Goals such as making a positive impact
on their organization, helping to solve social and/or environmental
challenges, and working with a diverse group of people were similar for
all three generations surveyed.
Where we do differ, it seems, is the definition of success. To
Millennials, success does not simply mean climbing the corporate ladder.
The study conducted by Bentley University reported that 66% of
Millennials want to start their own business, 37% would like to work on
their own, and only 13% aspire to become CEO or president of the company
they work for. Achievement is measured in different ways by Millennials
and, though we may not all take the traditional career path, we all aim
to succeed.
Here is the real truth: We are not one unit; we are
all wildly unique and cannot fit into one mould. We are reshaping the
workplace just as generations before us did. We are redefining what a
career looks like. We are capable, inspired professionals seeking a
workplace where we will flourish and a way to make an impact on the
world.
This post was created as part of the #MillennialMe series, a conversation by Millennials about Millennials.
After I read this I realized that freight brokering is a great job for a millennial because it fits in with many of their aspirations. A freight broker is independent, self motivated and has great expectations. Millennials are very comfortable with technology. Maximizing the benefits of technology is a great asset for a freight broker. The road to success as a freight broker is a bit different than the road to success in a traditional job. Millennials tend to take a non-traditional approach to career and success.
So no matter what generation you claim, if you are ready for a career change, consider training to be a freight broker.
Moving forward,
Jeff Roach
www.transportationtraining.com
