The millennial attitude
A millennial is someone who reached young adulthood in the early 21st century – it’s a fairly loose term, but generally refers to people who are currently around 20-35. To those who think “age is just a number”, it is worth noting that the millennial workforce has been raised on technology, and often think differently about it than a Baby Boomer might. For example, a millennial is more likely to expect immediate information, and often what motivates a millennial worker is unlikely to be the same thing that motivates an older generation employee. For example, 39 per cent of millennials claim that new technology is what excites them the most about the future (Voxburner Youth Trend Report 2015) and on average they are willing to spend around 28 per cent more than Baby Boomers each month in order to ensure reliable internet connectivity. Around 70 per cent of young people admit they are impatient, and are more likely to become frustrated with a bad internet connection than older employees.The upsides of millennials
A millennial workforce is more likely to prize personal development and continuous learning above cash bonuses, according to a report by PricewaterhouseCoopers. This is good news for cash-strapped startup owners – the larger corporations might outbid you, but if you can offer more hands-on training and responsibility there’s a chance the best and brightest will flock to you regardless. “While there are some general truths that are accepted about millennials (for instance valuing work/life balance more, this idea of ‘doing what you love’, having multiple jobs/ career changes) versus other generations, what is key is that you give people the space to shape their role and progression and put the onus on them to step up,” said Simon Douglass, founder of Curated Digital. “Respect is key in this, for instance you might introduce certain benefits that assume trust, i.e. flexible hours/ working from home. I think these are quite modern workplace initiatives and attitudes.” The Googles and Apples of the business world have long been popular with millennial workers, as they offer more flexible working and think outside the box. In addition, many millennials will prefer working for companies that allow them to use their own devices and that have seamless digital processes in place, including social networking and instant messaging. If your business isn’t fully digital, you should be open to improving this, as it can drive collaboration and productivity – access to faster internet is not on a millennial’s employer wish list, it is expected.How to earn a millennial’s loyalty
This article is part of our Real Business Broadband campaign, which seeks to provide a mouthpiece for business leaders to vocalise the broadband issues preventing their businesses from reaching full potential. We’d love to hear your take on the debate and where you think the UK needs to make drastic changes – and feel to ask us your broadband queries. Get in touch via email (shane.schutte@realbusiness.co.uk) or join in on the action using #rbBroadband.
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