Secret Tips for Successfully Managing Millennials 

For better or worse, millennials are now one of the largest growing groups within Australia’s workforce. The generation of individuals born between 1980 and 1998 can now be seen in full flow within all of Australia’s organizations.

We’ve observed this in a big way in the workplace. Ever since they entered into the job market, there has been an overflow of negative stereotypes regarding millennials. From criticism regarding their lack of loyalty, to their narcissistic attitudes, the generation leaves every leader with a conundrum to tackle.

How do you get on with millennials in your workforce? Do you treat them in a specific way, or do you let them flow along with the rest of the Baby Boomers and Generation X-ers’?

Most of the negative stereotypes labelled on millennials arise because the older generations simply fail to understand them. Realising the importance of the issue, we have made a list of some effective tips which you can implement to successfully manage millennials.

1. Stop Being Condescending Towards Them

While every generation has taken fun out of vilifying the generation after them, millennials have particularly been host to some of the most outrageously tough times and stereotypes. The financial markets are inflated, and with massive financial changes on the cards, their road to success is rather arduous.

Realizing the work they put in and appreciating it is the best strategy in this regard. Moreover, the condescending attitude from older employers makes the millennials feel enslaved, and stops them from showing their brilliant creativity.

2. Focus on Training

Coming out of college, millennials can benefit a lot from on the job training. You can seize the opportunity by providing on the job training for not only the new recruits, but also the previous employees. Completely revamp the organization with a training schedule which exudes perfection.

Moreover, training methods that challenge employees should be implemented. Millennials love being challenged and are more apt at stepping out of their comfort zones, than some of the older employees. You can also groom them for leadership and make no secret of your plans. Communicate your intentions with them as that would get them motivated.

3. Enhance their motivators

Gone are the days when employees would feel motivated with an in house gym, a nap pod, a wine bar or other basic accessories. Millennials have a bigger sense of purpose and responsibility, so they require more than just things that benefit them. Endeavours towards various social causes can work as a suitable motivator.

Moreover, training methods that challenge employees should be implemented. Millennials love being challenged and are more apt at stepping out of their comfort zones, than some of the other older employees. You can also groom them for leadership and make no secret of your plans . Communicate your intentions with them as that would get them motivated.

4. Encourage a Flexible Environment

Millennials hate rigidity. They hate rigid environments and are always on the lookout for a flexible environment. You can feed their hunger for flexibility by implementing a flexible work routine. Millennials are raised to be outspoken, to share their opinions and to ask a lot of questions. Keeping this basic knowledge regarding them in perspective, and it is only feasible for you to provide them in perspective, and it is only feasible for you to provide them with the flexibility they desire. 

5. Give them innovative feedback

Give them feedback, which is constructive and is in accordance with their outspoken personality. Performance appraisals are old school, and are no more the call of the day for millennials. They require direct feedback, which is communicated to them once a job is done. Let them know the difference they make in the organization and how you can build on their capabilities to get the most benefits. Just let them know their potential and they will definitely weave magic for you.

Have you recently worked with millennials and found factors that help increase productivity? Share your thoughts and comments with us in the comments below, we would love to hear from you!