Who are the Millenials? They are Generation Y, the youth of America, also known in the aftermath of the financial crisis of 2007-09 as the “boomerang” generation because of the need to move back in with their parents after college thanks to the scarcity of jobs. Make no mistake, though. They aren’t all unemployed bloggers living in their childhood bedrooms and hanging out at Starbucks. There are about 80 million Millenials in America – more than the Baby Boomers. About half of those twenty-something recent college graduates are in the workforce, and they want things done differently than their parents did at the office. They want things done differently, and they want them done now.

What to Know About Working Millenials

The first thing to know about Millenials is that they were born between 1982 and 1999. That means that most of them have very few memories – if any – of a time before widespread access to the Internet. They have grown up under the influence of instant communication. They also have grown up in an era that embraced collaboration, personal and professional affirmation, and near-constant supervision. Whereas their older siblings, the Generation Xers, might have wandered the neighborhood at will from dawn ’til dusk as kids, these freshly minted adults were far more likely to be found indoors, playing video games or working on the computer, than shooting hoops or riding bikes with friends. All of this is important to know, because it reveals something of their mindset when it comes to the workplace.

Millenials Are Not Afraid to Walk

Yes, the economic downturn had a particularly rough effect on Millenials, who face a far greater challenge as they seek to begin their careers than their parents did. Many have been forced to take jobs that are not commensurate with their college degrees, quite often for less money than they had hoped for. Many also are saddled with large student loan balances that they have to begin to pay off within six months of graduating. So, they took their jobs, in some ways, out of desperation.

Yet, that doesn’t mean that they are willing to take more guff – or work for significantly less money – than their parents. In fact, quite the reverse is true. Millenials are far more willing to take a chance by leaving an unfavorable job situation than Generation Xers with family considerations or Baby Boomers approaching retirement. This could make employee retention a bit problematic, especially for those whose ideas of what the workplace is all about differs significantly from the younger generation.

What Millenials Expect at Work

What Millenials expect at work is slightly different from the generations that came before. For example:

– Jeans and sneakers or flip-flops are considered OK in the office.

– Access to social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook are mandatory.

– Flex time that allows workers to enjoy their home life is required.

– The work itself must be challenging, but enjoyable.

– The compensation must allow them to be able to make their student loan payments, while also supporting a thriving social life.

– Feedback from managers is required on a regular basis, rather than an airing of shortcomings and yearly goals during an annual review.

Treat Them with Respect

Most of all, Millenials want to be heard. They want their opinions to matter in the workplace. They want to feel as if what they are doing matters. They want to be part of a team that works together for a common purpose – and is compensated accordingly when that purpose is achieved. They want the freedom to live their lives away from work, but they also want to be given detailed information about what they are doing right – and wrong – from their supervisors. They want a career, to be sure, but they are willing to roll with what life has thrown them in the early 21st century – as long as they are made to feel like they are truly valued.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has contributed to a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to business.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has contributed to a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to business. http://www.inc.com/inc5000/profile/laser-spine-institute

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has contributed to a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to business.

Category: Business
Keywords: Business