Times Are Changing: 5 Things Millennials Do Differently in the Workplace

The only constant is change, as evidenced by the recent pandemic and need to work remotely to stay profitable. From working at home to innovative approaches to doing business, millennials are also transforming the way we work. Find out more about how times are changing and the five things millennials do differently in the workplace to stay ahead of the curve and make the most of these transformations.

Communication is Key

The way millennials communicate supports the remote work environment that is becoming increasingly popular post-quarantine. Progressive companies need to invest in innovative employee communication tools to attract the millennial workforce. Effective communication tools enhance transparency while increasing engagement and retention. By 2025, millennials are expected to make up three-quarters of the global workforce. Supporting communication is key to remaining relevant in a changing global work environment. Research and instant access to information are crucial to keep millennials moving forward. The generate is accustomed to getting information online and requires the right communication tools to perform this work. The days of offering free snacks and other incentives to attract new talent are over. Today millennials workers inquire about the technologies available at a company to determine if it is the right fit. Failing to support modern communication could mean getting left behind.

Remote Work Options

The days of sitting in office cubicles are quickly passing by. While many offices still work in a singular environment, millennials are looking for remote work options. The freedom to work while traveling and taking care of other life responsibilities is appealing to this freedom-seeking generation. Growing up with advancing technologies means millennials can multi-task and focus better in their chosen environments. Many companies are finding millennials are most productive when working remotely. The option to work at home can mean scoring top millennial talent rather than watching them work for the competition. Updated communication tools give companies the option to offer millennials hires remote work. Some companies give employees the choice to work at home two or three days a week, while others allow them to work full-time from home. Either way, companies are saving on office overhead by hiring remote workers as well as retaining millennial talent for years to come. With most companies now offering flexible work options, it is imperative for businesses to implement communication tools that support the new way people prefer to work.

Employer Benefits Millennial Style

Employees always expect benefits when they commit to a full-time position. Bonuses and free lunch were often a lure to get people on board. While these perks are still appealing to older workers, millennials have a different lifestyle. Recent financial conditions have forced many millennials to stay at home while attending college. Others continue to struggle to cover their educational expenses. Benefits such as tuition reimbursement, retirement investment plans, and savings plans support the millennial generation's current values. They are concerned about being able to save for college and to buy a house. Without these benefits, they dread having to stay at home or struggle to get their own housing and finish their education. Employers that recognize these needs can attract the younger generation. Remote work is another benefit millennials are starting to expect, rather than look at as an added advantage. Within the next decade, the new generation to the workforce is expected to work remotely more than being in central office setting. Companies that adopt communication tools today will be able to support this evolution tomorrow.

Loyalty Matters

Millennials are known to leave a job if they are dissatisfied with the current working conditions. Remaining stagnant is not part of this generation's approach to business. While employers may question millennial loyalty, it is still important to the generation to find a company they can stay with for years. Historically, other generations have also job-hopped during their twenties. As millennials get older, they crave the same stability as former generations. However, they also expect to have working conditions and benefits that support their values of inclusion and diversity. A diverse workplace where new ideas are respected will keep millennials longer. Remote work options enable millennials to continue their education and become a more valuable team member to the company. As businesses consider how to support the growing remote workforce, communication tools are essential for transparency. In just seconds, the C-suite can use technology to determine what workers are doing and the progress of various projects. The team can work together from anywhere in the world, which also supports management's frequent travel. From part-time parents to top management, remote work keeps everyone on the same page as they handle their unique responsibilities.

Respect for Work-Life Balance

Former generations were expected to work long hours at the office to prove their dedication to the job. Millennials who remember their parents leaving at dawn and coming home long after dark no longer want these working conditions. While they are willing to work long hours, they expect their employer to support a work-life balance. Offering remote work enables millennials to take care of personal business while building their careers. The option to work while traveling or attending school has become an expectation rather than a perk. The millennial generation recognizes the importance of exercise, healthy eating, and recreation to balance out their working hours. Companies that fail to recognize these values will lose millennials who are dedicated to achieving this essential balance. In the past, companies offered a fitness center on the premises. Today millennials would rather have a remote work option so they can pursue exercise such as hiking, rowing, and other outdoor activities. Investing in communication tools that support remote work proves a company respects millennials' desire for work-life balance.

The millennial generation grew up with the Internet and other advanced technologies. As a result, they work differently and expect a workplace that understands the need for progressive technologies to move forward into the future. Investing in robust communication tools that enable the team to work anytime and anyplace helps companies stay relevant as a new normal takes over after COVID-19.