As of 2015, the number of millennials (ages 18-34) in the workforce surpassed the amount of Generation Xers (ages 34-54) for the first time, according to Pew Research.
Labeled as entitled, technology-obsessed brats, the younger end of the millennial generation is often looked down upon by older employers. However, I believe that growing up in the age of advancing media and instant gratification has not entirely destroyed our generation.
Millennials are restless. We have a constant need to be occupied. While some believe these qualities are the downfall of our generation, I believe it is our most promising attribute. If our employers take advantage of these strengths, rather than discourage them, we can prove to be great assets in the workplace.
After a tough four plus years of college, we enter the work force (often heavily in debt), but ready to give our all. We come equipped with an abundance of knowledge that is eagerly waiting to be put to use. All the theoretical concepts we spent hours reading about and being tested on can finally be applied for a real purpose.
So millennials passionately enter the working world, only to be disappointed with what lies ahead. There tends to be a serious disconnect between those running the companies and the younger generations being hired.
Here are five things all millennials wish their employers would understand:
1. Play to our strengths.
We grew up surrounded by advancing technology, so we are always up to date on the latest social media trends. If you listen to what we have to say, you might see that we can actually improve the company’s online presence.
2. Provide guidance.
Believe it or not, we love hearing advice and wisdom from those who are seasoned pros within our field of work. Be a role model that we can aspire to be someday.
3. Challenge us.
We are dedicated and willing to commit ourselves to whatever work you throw at us.
4. Encourage teamwork.
Colleges pride themselves on adding group work tasks within the classroom setting. Recent graduates are prepared to think out loud and brainstorm with others. Some of our most creative ideas come from this method of working.
5. Offer feedback.
We thrive on receiving feedback on our work. Although we (obviously) enjoy hearing praise, we can also handle constructive criticism when given in a way that will help us improve in the future.