In the past few years, the workplace has evolved dramatically. We’ve gone from extension numbers and bulky desktop computers to bring your own device programs for mobile devices and laptops. Many companies have also opted to get rid of older employees and hire younger, quicker employees. Unfortunately, the millennial can be difficult to manage. Here are a few ways to manage them better.
Value Their Opinion
There’s usually two types of millennial: Those that are shy and do what they’re told, or those that are outspoken and voice their opinion. Try to get opinions from both. The outspoken ones may be loud and obnoxious, but they may have good ideas. They are coming from a generation that valued their children and their ideas, so you never know — they may have an idea that changes the whole company.
Have a Solid Structure
Because this generation is a bit more lax, they need structure. Set deadlines and make sure that they know those deadlines aren’t flexible. Create daily goals and give assignments each morning for them to complete. If they find this to be difficult, or have trouble meeting deadlines, you should look into the workflow automation software. This will keep everything running like a well-oiled machine.
Be Versatile
Everyone has a different situation. Embrace new types of work models that are based on the final result rather than seniority. This gives everyone the opportunity to produce better quality results. This will allow your company to grow at a rate that was only once dreamed of. If someone wants to try a different position, allow them to. You never know, they may be better than your best person!
You could also set some sort of personal goal system in place. On this sheet, they could mention how they want to grow in the company. Use this sheet to help them do just that. Give them the opportunity to branch out beyond their daily tasks to see what they’re capable of.
Embrace Their Knowledge of Technology
The millennial generation is extremely tech-savvy thanks to their upbringing around technology. Use this to your advantage. Ask them about upgrades that you could do around the office to improve connectivity. Get them to train other people on how to use certain technology.
You need to incorporate their ideas of technology into your business. More than likely, they’ll mention some sort of Bring Your Own Device program. These programs are great because they cost the company no additional money and provide an invaluable resource at the employee’s disposal. If they need to update anything for work or look up information for the customer, they can do it on their phone in just a few seconds. Set limits, though, and be sure to use software to restrict access to some apps so they don’t waste their entire day on their phone.
Provide Constant Feedback
The old system of giving feedback annually doesn’t cut it anymore. The millennial generation demands results immediately, and as such, they want real-time feedback. Invite them to contact you via e-mail to set up weekly meetings to share feedback and address any concerns that they may have. This will allow you to develop an extremely communicative relationship that will make them feel more relaxed and work a bit harder.
Not only does the millennial generation want feedback from you, they want to be mentored and taught what to do. They want to have someone to look up to and learn from. Either plan for someone to spend time teaching new hires, or do it yourself. By doing it yourself, you’re giving the new employee a sense of belonging and that you care about each individual employee.
Make the Workplace Fun
There’s nothing more that people want than to come to a job that they love and genuinely enjoy doing. Encourage your workers to get up and associate with each other. Plan company events, such as a bowling night or a movie night. Encourage older employees to make friends with the younger generation. A great way to do this would be to start an interoffice sports group, whether it’s by email, or just gathering together at lunch. Sports are a great bridge to merge different generations.
Managing a millennial doesn’t require a drastic change in your management style, but a few simple changes can make a world of difference. By being more versatile and open to change, you’re allowing your business to change with the times. Have you had some insight from a millennial that caused you to change some of your company’s policies? If so, what did you change?
Author Jane is a freelance writer who loves to write about anything from tech to mommy stuff. She is featured in many blogs as a guest writer, and can write with authority on any niche or subject.
