Twenty-somethings now make up the largest generation in the workforce and are steadfast becoming the most influential population in the world. Along with globalization, technology, new behaviors and mobility, the presence of young people in the workforce is one of the five major trends that are impacting the future of work, according to The Huffington Post.
With their new attitudes, values and varied approaches on how to get work done, it’s clear to say that 20-somethings are significantly changing the workplace.
Here’s how:
#1 We want change
Twenty-somethings are extremely capable of expecting change and have learned how to anticipate working in challenging circumstances, equipping them with the skills necessary for solving problems.
While adapting and embracing change is a strong personal quality, it also creates challenges for recruiters as younger workers are known for changing their jobs. Unlike our older counterparts who stick to one company for multiple years, we are more susceptible to changing their jobs if promotions or developments within a company seem unlikely.
#2 We want a more informal workplace
When global marketing firm McCann Worldgroup surveyed 1,000 young individuals in the U.S. in 2011, it found that ninety percent of those surveyed cited “connection and community” as their greatest need.
For some of us, forming relationships is an important feature of the workplace and this comes as no surprise when you note that successful individuals and organizations are most effective when interests, values, and needs are aligned. Sharing a common definition of success and trusting in each other’s character and competencies are now key attributes that belong to the generation of young workers.
#3 We want flexible working hours
In The Hartford’s 2014 Millennial Leadership Survey, conducted with The Hartford’s millennial workplace expert and author of the bestseller Becoming the Boss Lindsey Pollak, work-life balance ranked as one of the top issues of importance for young workers. Workplace flexibility is given a higher significance than healthcare.
Kathryn Minshew, CEO and founder of The Muse, explains that the lines between work and life become blurred with round the clock connectivity to work and due to this companies “have a responsibility to give more as well. I think that means giving people the opportunity to have a flexible work day”.
#4 We want informal chat
Long gone are the days of formal memos and emails. Instead, the combination of a tech-savvy generation and fast moving working environments means that communication is now in favor of instant messaging and text messages. And it’s not only instant and informal forms of delivery that are here to stay, emojis are too with seventy-six percent of Americans claiming to use emojis in their professional communication.
Is your workplace embracing these changes?
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