Millennials have gotten a bad reputation for being technology-obsessed and superficial, and this reputation has given them the short end of the stick when it comes to work opportunities.
This reputation also doesn’t do justice to the fact that Millennial burnout is a very real phenomenon. The same reputation for being technology-obsessed also means that Millennials face the pressures of constantly being plugged in. This has led to an increase in anxiety and exhaustion, especially considering that Millennials are the first generation to spend most of their lives under the eyes of technology.
The Pew Research Center shows that Millennials comprise a third of America’s labor population, which often leads to difficulties in adjusting to different work styles as most managers are from an older generation. This conflict comes because senior managers are set in their traditional approach to management. Organizational leadership experts from Maryville University explain how modern management is much more geared towards fostering a collaborative mindset. This also means understanding that motivating employees isn’t just about pushing them to meet targets. Today’s increasingly Millennial workforce proves that managers have to understand what best motivates their employees and that this motivation will differ with each demographic.
Here are some tips for those struggling to manage their Millennial team members:
Take mental health seriously
Mental health issues like depression and anxiety are on the rise. These issues are particularly prevalent in Millennials, with Quartz noting that Millennials suffer from anxiety at twice the national rate. Ultimately, caring for your employee’s mental health is a win-win. Not only does this benefit the individual team member, but your company also benefits from employees who are fit enough to do their job. It’s important to treat mental health care as an integral part of company culture, as these illnesses reoccur throughout life and aren’t just things you can take quick sick days for (although sometimes they do help).
Promote flexible work hours
The key to thriving in today’s economy is to work smarter, not harder. A healthy work-life balance is one of the largest considerations Millennials look into when applying to jobs; flexible work hours allows for this balance. In a society where Millennials are filled to the brim with all kinds of other pressures such as student loans and personal responsibilities, sitting down to churn out their best work for a few hours is better than mindlessly sitting at an office for the whole day.
Understand that travel is an enriching experience
Vacation leaves are yet another factor that Millennials consider. Forbes reports that Millennials place the highest value on gaining new experiences, making them the first generation to do so. A lot of managers shy away from the idea of vacation leaves as this conjures up ideas of week-long absences on a regular basis. This doesn’t have to be the case, as short breaks can still allow your Millennial team members to go out and explore. Often times, taking vacations even allows them to come back to work more motivated and refreshed.
Provide a healthier work culture
Lots of Millennials are aware of the fact that most of their lives are spent at work, and this is especially true for people in the ever-busy sales industry. A post by Mary Slagle talks about the benefits of Pilates and exercise on salespeople with busy schedules, and there’s no reason why you can’t incorporate some classes as part of your work. There are lots of companies who run company-wide yoga and exercises classes every once in a while. Providing such opportunities shows that you care for your employees’ health, while engaging in such experiences together can help strengthen team relationships.
Actively shape their careers
With Millennials being experience-driven, it’s no surprise that mentorship also matters to them. While the stereotype of a job-hopping Millennial can sometimes be true, one of the secrets to bypassing this trend is to take the time and invest in their growth. All employees want to feel valued within the company — Millennials included. Taking the time to meet with them regularly and track their growth, as this shows that they’re valuable assets who have a future within your organization.
Written exclusively for Closers.outfieldapp.com
by Sophie Hertz