Often characterized as entitled, lazy, and less driven then their parents and their grandparents, millennials (like most incoming generations) have garnered a bad reputation in terms of their workplace conduct. A flood of negative media surrounding how millennials interact with each other, their general attitudes and their affliction with technology exists. However, millennials are slowly shifting the dynamics of the workplace, and it’s arguably for the better.
Millennials are considered one of the most compassionate and ethical generations and by the year 2025, millennials will comprise approximately 75% of the workforce (Pepperdine, 2017). The manner in how Americans conduct their work is about to completely shift with the coming influx of millennial workers. Unlike their baby boomer counterparts, millennials value more flexibility and employability as opposed to job security (Pepperdine, 2017). Millennials are forecast to change the way we work, allowing for increased worker flexibility in all areas of the workforce.
Not only will millennials change the way we work, they are also going to change the way we perceive and conceptualize the workplace. As millennials infiltrate and dominate the work force, less emphasis will be placed on “brick and mortar” work centers, and more workers will be utilizing off-site work spaces including remote work. NBC News (2017) reports that “optimal engagement boost occurs when employees spend 60 to 80 percent of their time, or 3 to 4 days a week, working remotely”. Not only does this save businesses money on office space, it can also increase productivity.
In addition to transforming where we do work, millennials are also shifting the power structures within organizations. Generationally speaking, millennials are more driven by mentors and coaches than by bosses. This differing expectation in what a boss should be could eventually change how leaders act, emphasizing collaboration instead of an organizational dictatorship.
Millennials, the most technologically literate and educated generation thus far, are bound to dynamically shift the work center as we know it; becoming better innovators and equalizing the playing field for all workers.
References:
The Importance of Millennials in the Workplace. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2018, from https://mbaonline.pepperdine.edu/resources/infographics/the-importance-of-millennials-in-the-workplace/
Steinhilber, B. (2017, May 18). 7 ways millennials are changing the workplace for the better. Retrieved February 26, 2018, from https://www.nbcnews.com/better/careers/7-ways-millennials-are-changing-workplace-better-n761021