The future is now: Effectively managing millennials

Open, tolerant, underutilised, misunderstood: sound bites from an episode of Dr. Phil, right? In fact, these were words used in a panel discussion at the Multicultural Forum on Workplace Diversity to describe the millennial generation. ORC Networks’ Nita Beecher and Jessica Kirby participated on the panel, moderated by Kjirsten Mickesh of General Mills. Beecher and Kirby were one of two pairs, each representing a millennial and his/her supervisor of an older generation, who talked about the complexities of their working relationships, challenges they've faced, and ways companies can better utilise and leverage multi-generational relationships. Here are some of the take-aways from the discussion:

• Feedback: Asked what she was missing from her manager, one millennial panelist said “I wanted my trophy and my ribbon.” All joking aside, millennials need constructive feedback. Have managers set up weekly 1:1s or some way to provide feedback and guidance. Millennials want to know what to expect a month from now, a year from now, three years from now.
• Work/Life Balance: Who doesn’t want that? Millennials sometimes feel driven to dispel workplace myths about their generation and overcompensate by working extra long hours to prove they are committed. But they also cherish their lives outside of work and can burn out quickly if they can’t fully experience life away from the job. Managers should find ways to give millennials flexibility, whether by allowing them to work remotely or by setting flexible hours to accommodate out-of-work activities.
• Challenge and Utiliser: Millennials are multi-taskers, they grew up juggling school, sports, technology, family and friends, and they thrive when handling several things at once. They also want to be challenged. Boredom will quickly have tech-savvy millennials using social networks to find a job elsewhere, so find out what they’re interested in and keep them busy.
• Mentorship: Sometimes millennials feel uncomfortable voicing concerns with their direct supervisors, fearing they will appear too inexperienced. Navigating corporate culture can be tricky and partnering millennials with the right mentor can give them the guidance and advice they need.

As boomers, the workforce’s largest population, leave in large numbers over the next few years, millennials will be able to fill those gaps in many circumstances, but they need proper training and clear goals, particularly as these younger workers become managers themselves. The diversity within the generation, its members’ wide use of technology, ability to work well in teams, and confidence will foster a more collaborative and positive work environment, and that is a future to look forward to.