HOW TO MANAGE MILLENIALS EFFECTIVELY

Millennials or Generation Y represents those born between the early 1980s as birth years and the mid-1990s to early 2000s as birth years, the definition being generally accepted from 1981 to 1996. These ones are currently in the job market and will start to dominate the global workforce over the next few years.

                                     

                                                             

Figure 1: The Common Characteristics of Millenial Professionals (KANE, 2019)

Following HR related initiatives/actions will help in organizations for effective management of millennials. (JENSEN, 2017)

1. Create a strong corporate culture

The Millennials want their work to have meaning and purpose. When they see the relevance of their work, they will dedicate their blood, their sweat and their tears to the growth of the company.

2. Provide a work-life balance environment

Millennials need flexibility in the workplace to allow them to experience the world, spend time with their families and friends, and achieve many goals. Offer flexible hours and remote work opportunities to appeal to this generation

3. Provide leadership and guidance

Be mentors, not bosses! As a results-oriented generation, you do not need to micromanage millennials. Show them what needs to be done and let them get the results in their own way.

4. Take advantage of their technological know-how

Instead of forbidding them to use their smart phones and personal devices at work, let them use it at work. This will not only help them improve their performance, but will also show them that you trust them.

5. Recognize their work

Millennials don’t want trophies - they need validation, recognition and reinforcement. A simple "thank you" or "great job today" will suffice.

6. Craft a future that excites them

Present their future in the company and talk more often about their career path. Make them enthusiastic about what they can achieve within the organization, but do not make promises in the air. Being transparent

    

Figure 2: Career Path Progression  

7. Encourage collaboration

Organize weekly team meetings or brainstorming sessions to encourage collaboration. You can even guide and frame millennials in a team

8. Allow them to be leaders

Trust their abilities and allow them to take on larger, more meaningful projects. Do not crush or hold them back. Give them the reigns and they will do more demanding work.

Reference

Anon., n.d. Career Path Progression Bar Graph Ppt Template. [Online] Available at: https://www.slideteam.net/career-path-progression-bar-graph-ppt-template.html [Accessed 30 November 2019].

Anon., n.d. Millennials. [Online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennials [Accessed 30 November 2019].

JENSEN, G., 2017. How to Manage Millennials. [Online] Available at: https://guthriejensen.com/blog/8-steps-to-manage-millennials/ [Accessed 30 November 2019].

KANE, S., 2019. The Common Characteristics of Millenial Professionals. [Online] Available at: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/common-characteristics-of-generation-y-professionals-2164683 [Accessed 30 November 2019].