Understanding the Millennial Mindset in the Workplace
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When thinking of “Millenniasl,” people sometimes negatively perceive the traits associated with their personality and work ethic. Unfortunately for Millennials, the negative perception can harm their daily lives, especially in the workforce. With Millennials making up over 35% of the workforce, companies must take better strides to understand the “Millennial Mindset.”
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Some negative connotations/stereotypes typically associated with being a millennial are a sense of entitlement, narcissism, laziness, and job hoppers. These stereotypes are what some of the earlier generations consider Millennials and even the rising Generation Z. The million-dollar question is, are they truthful? Sadly, there is no exact answer to that question as it can be considered subjective, and there are always exceptions. Nonetheless, we can examine their thinking and why they think this way.
Why do they feel so entitled?
We've all seen the headlines. From being a part of the "Me Me Me Generation" to supposedly expecting everything to be handed to them on a platter, why do Millennials feel like they deserve so much? Emma Gannon- author of The Multi-Hyphen Method, a book about what the future holds for the workplace - states that Millennials often are labeled as "entitled" because of their frustrations with outdated workplace standards and unwillingness to change.
Gannon also feels that since Millennials grew up teaching themselves, it’s hard to grasp being with a company stuck in its ways. She recalls using Myspace and teaching herself coding by using the site to create custom home pages with music and graphics. Millennials have always had a sense of innovation/creativity from such experiences. It’s not about being entitled but more so about being misunderstood.
Their expectations are different because of their upbringing, such as generational and educational differences. For instance, a more collaborative environment is welcomed, translating into lesson plans and lectures from debates and discussions. This idea came from Hunter Roberts, the founder of people development consultancy. Her example was that the older generations were taught to do their research and explain how they got it, whereas Millennials were different.
All Millennials do is quit everything that they start! They’re job hoppers!
Another stereotype may be able to be explained with a bit of research. A survey by XYZ University surveyed over 500 Millennials from different backgrounds and came up with the following information.
Here are some of the reasons that Millennials quit:
Millennials are risk-takers
XYZ University concluded that since Millennials came of age during the recession, it gave them a unique way of thinking. The Millennials surveyed during this time said they feared working at a job for years only to be laid off.
They are focused on education.
Millennials seek more degrees and find it a bit hard to juggle school and demanding hours from a job. However, as a result, they are going to the job market more educated than their predecessors. According to a study by Brookings Institution demographer William Frey, over 36% of Millennials are college graduates.
They got a better offer.
According to XYZ’s survey, about 35% of Millennials left a previous job for something better, whether for better pay, flexibility, or ease of life.
When surveying Millennials and Generation Z, we received what we received on whether they would take a pay cut for a better working environment/health.
“Oh absolutely! I’m not money hungry.” – Kevin 28
“Yes. Without a doubt” – Theodore 28
“It depends on the job, but most likely I’d take it” – Brianna 22
“Yes. My mental health and sanity is worth more than money.” – Lizette 26
“Yes and No. It depends on where I am in life. If I’m single with no kids, I will take that pay cut. If I’m married and/or with children, I would deal with it.” – Ashlyn 21
Now, let's look at some of the qualities that make Millennials who they are:
Progressive and Innovative Thinkers
Millennials tend to think outside the box or against how things work. For instance, it was all about getting a job in the workplace for so long and working it (your way up) until you own it. Millennials don’t think this way. According to a study by Forbes, around 43% of Millennials enter a new job with the intent of leaving in two years or less. Only approximately 20% plan on staying five years or more. Some may think this is a negative quality. Still, Millennials would rather not be stagnant in their positions and pay rates and pursue better opportunities at a higher rate than any prior generation.
Self-Starter and Entrepreneur Outlook
According to Forbes, 72% of Millennials want to become their boss. Also, in a study done by Pew Research, Millennials are increasingly demanding flexible work schedules to achieve a better work-life balance. These two go hand in hand because by becoming your boss or taking on endeavors that allow Millennials to work for themselves, they can create that flexibility they desire.
Following their passions is a must.
In a study by Department26, 44% of Millennials valued having a passion for their job role over salary/other benefits. This may fall under progressive thinking, but Millennials don’t care about doing what makes them money. The old way of thinking was you go to school, get a degree in something that makes you money, and succeed. This isn’t the case for Millennials and those he has the mindset. To an extent, Millennials would rather be stress-free in a position they love than make tons of money while being stressed out and in poor health.
Having A Social Impact Is Paramount
Capital Group conducted a study and found that 82% of Millennials think that it is vital for companies to promote the health and wellness of consumers and employees, help disadvantaged communities, including more women in senior management and boards of directors, and promote economic opportunity for women, minorities and LGBT individuals.
To conclude, all Millennials aren’t entitled, but due to many generational differences (academic and life), their mindset and ways of thinking differ. If the past generations took the time to learn about/from Millennials, coexisting in the workplace would be much smoother. Lastly, take some time to check out “Great Place to Work” on Facebook. Great Place to Work Institute is dedicated to helping organizations understand and practice the qualities and behaviors that lead to creating outstanding workplaces.