(The infographic below illustrates some staggering statistics…..36% of the today’s U.S. workforce are comprised of millenials and in just 6 years, nearly half of all U.S. workers will be millenials! While campusRecruits will help bring millenials into the workplace, it is equally important for employers to have a comprehensive plan to retain and motivate them once there. See below for UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School tips on maximizing your leadership of millenials.)
June 24th, 2013 by Harrison Kratz, MBA@UNC Blog
Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are entering the workplace in record numbers. They are idealistic, diverse, digitally-enabled, social and perhaps most importantly, ambitious. While these are all traits that can make a positive impact on your organization, it is a tall task to retain and motivate millennials for a variety of reasons. Their attitudes toward work and careers differ from previous generations as evidenced by the following:
– In a recent survey, millennials prioritized “meaningful work” over high pay.
– 1 in 3 millennials said “social media freedom” is a higher priority than salary.
– 70% of millennials are planning to change jobs once the economy improves.
Change can be daunting, but these factors are not difficult to embrace and can ultimately improve your company culture. Here are some things you can do to maximize your leadership of millennials:
Empower the entrepreneurial spirit
– 92% of surveyed 21-24 year-olds said entrepreneurship education was vital in the new economy
– 30% started a business in college
Provide quality feedback
– 80% of millennials said they would prefer feedback in real time rather than via traditional performance reviews
Let them grow
– 65% of millennials said personal development was the most influential factor in their current job
To learn more about the who, how and why of leading Gen Y, take a look below at the infographic we produced in partnership with the Young Entrepreneurs Council and their #FixYoungAmerica campaign.
