Millennials

Recently, millennials—those born roughly between 1982 and 2000—surpassed Generation X to comprise the largest percentage of the workforce at 35%. Generation X makes up 34%, boomers are 29%, and the silent generation are 2% of the working population.

At more than 80 million strong, millennials are a true force to be reckoned with in the workplace. Like every “next generation,” millennials often feel misunderstood, which can lead to lower productivity, or even disengagement. Studies predict millennials will be the highest achieving generation to date. To better connect with this powerful segment of the workforce, leaders must understand who they are and how to draw on their unique talents.

If you’re tired of feeling like you have to communicate via email and instant messenger to get the attention of your employees, the problem – and the solution – might just lie with you. 

Nearly two-thirds (62%) of Millennials prefer communicating with their manager face-to-face, according to a recent study by Millennial Branding and American Express. And separately, a new study by Millennial Branding and Randstad US found that more than half (53%) of Millennials’ younger siblings – those in Gen Z (ages 16-20) – also prefer in-person interactions over communication via technology. For both generations, less than 20 percent said they prefer email.

As a millennial in The Grossman Group office I’ve gotten a kick out of the reactions to our recent Caddyshack post and all the great commentary that followed.

A team member was relaying the story of a client last week who ran over a chipmunk. The client felt bad about it, and as my team member was telling me the story, and how she and the client eventually started joking about how one less chipmunk means one less ruined garden (no offense to chipmunk lovers everywhere!), we spun into a relaxed conversation as we tend to do occasionally on a Friday.

As each new generation enters the workplace they bring a fresh set of beliefs, values, styles, and preferences. That can be challenging if other employees aren’t prepared.

Last month, Encyclopedia Britannica announced it would stop printing its famous reference guide that shaped how so many of us see the world and collect information. I can still remember spending hours poring over volume after volume of the encyclopedia in my school library as I wrote research papers on the Spanish Armada and the Great Earthquake.

Last month I wrote about the latest trend happening around the world – companies of all sizes, in all sectors, taking new steps to curb the overuse and abuse of work emails.  The issue has garnered national news attention as employees and leaders struggle to successfully effectively manage technology in their work and personal lives. 

“If you want happiness for a lifetime – help the next generation.”  – Chinese Proverb

As with any audience, when communicating with Millennials it helps to put yourself in their shoes to gain a greater understanding of where they’re coming from. When you think about the best way to motivate, or messages most likely to resonate, it may help to keep in mind what their generation often heard from parents as they were growing up: