Millennial Employees Are Driving Changes in HR Practices

A new wave of employees, one known to be the most virtually connected, team-oriented, and technologically savvy working generation yet, are now entering the workforce at increasing rates. By the year 2025, this millennial generation will comprise of about 75 percent of the labor force, however, what does this mean for the generation X employers?

The mature generation must acknowledge the shifting value of the new generation’s working tactics. The millennials view their careers as scaffolding rather than a ladder to succession. Instead of striving to reach the top, they place high esteem on learning, growth, and development so that they may feel fulfillment in their jobs. A value that many school systems are now trying to teach their students; education and personal growth will allow them to become better employees who will advance the company in the future. Therefore, these new values should be encouraged and supported by the employers.

The new generation values three things the most:

–Flexibility. The typical 9-to-5 work day schedule is outdated to millennials. Millennials ask for flexible working arrangements to keep up with changes in the typical workday structure. Working remotely is a popular request among this new generation.

–Transparency. In creating HR policies, the millennials want to understand the rationale behind every decision (i.e. performance appraisal and compensation adjustment procedures). They desire a direct link to the “behind the scenes” of the business.

–Community. Millennials want their workplace to be a social/fun environment and for their co-workers to be their second family. A great deal of the millennial’s time is spent “hanging out” or doing work outside of the office. They look for escapes and a place where they can relax with their tasks. Therefore, coffee-bar workspace designs will allow this generation to feel more comfortable and creativity generating.

By modifying small changes like these around the office, we can further develop the new generation and increase their performance. It is important to realize that policies cannot be kept the same from the beginning of a company’s creation and handed off to each new employee that joins the organization. The leaders must look out for the success of the company in the future, which begins with incorporating the millennials into the culture of the organization.

Written by Jessica Loccisano, Intern