When you think of millennials what normally comes to mind? Many unfairly argue that millennials are lazy and entitled. This generation has a lot of negative stereotypes going against them as they enter the workplace. But the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that millennials will make up 75 percent of the workforce by 2030, so it’s important that businesses really understand more about this generation to properly train them to effectively run a business.
Debunking these myths will help your company get over the negative stereotypes and successfully integrate millennials in your company:
1. Millennials seek constant praise
There’s a difference between getting a reward for a job well done and receiving positive reinforcement. Millennials prefer the latter. This comes from their entrepreneurial mindset – it makes them want to learn everything to be the best. Understanding this is important when it comes to training younger employees. They’re not looking for a boss, but instead a coach who is invested in their personal growth, reported Forbes Magazine.
2. Millennials lack loyalty
You might also read this as: Millennials are spoiled and get angry if they don’t get what they want. However, according to Forbes, the average tenure of a millennial employee is only two years. While this might look like lack of loyalty, it actually means that they’re seeking other opportunities to grow as a professional. They value personal relationships, as the first point alluded to. It’s less about the company but more about the people who are willing to put in time with them. The source explained this is because this generation was raised to value learning new skills. If they don’t feel like their boss is putting in the enough effort to help them grow, this could mean changing companies.
3. Millennials are dependent on others
Fortune Magazine explained that millennials are just as likely to request advice from coworkers as their Gen X colleagues. One stereotype that is true about millennials is that they’re tech savvy as they’re born digital natives. Therefore, they’ll put in more effort to get answers from other sources before they approach someone else.
It can be challenging to learn how to adapt to a rapidly changing workforce. That being said, companies can invest in PEO companies that specialize in helping business do just that.
