They’re both the largest living generation in the U.S. and in the workforce. This young generation is passionate, intelligent and highly tech savvy, so they’ll be a great asset to your organization.
There’s always an adjustment period when welcoming new staffers — especially when you’re dealing with a cross-generational team. If you haven’t already caught on, you’ll soon realize managing millennials is very different than both Gen-Xers and baby boomers. Use these tips to adjust your style to meet their needs.
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Provide Feedback Frequently
Baby boomers and Gen-Xers rarely ask for feedback. These employees are perfectly content only discussing their performance during annual reviews — and even this puts them on edge. However, millennials take the exact opposite approach. Rather than shying away from feedback, they request it, welcome it and crave it. The more you make time to take them aside and discuss their work, the better, so clear some extra room in your schedule.
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Listen to Their Opinions
Millennials want to hear your thoughts on their performance and they also want to give you an earful. From strategies to make the workplace more efficient to innovative business ideas, these young professionals demand to be heard. They don’t expect you to implement every suggestion, but they will be insulted if you refuse to give them time to speak out.
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Give Meaningful Assignments
You’re probably used to giving your more seasoned professionals an assignment and having them complete it without question, but it isn’t that easy with millennials. This generation isn’t afraid to push back if they feel like you’re wasting their time with busy work. They want to work on projects that makes a difference, so use this enthusiasm to your company’s benefit!
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Encourage Teamwork
Group work isn’t a favorite of baby boomers and Gen-Xers. This demographic largely prefers solo work and is perfectly content sitting alone in an office all day, but millennials are the opposite. These naturally social employees thrive in team settings and prefer working with others to the isolation of completing assignments on their own. Striking a balance that makes all employees happy will be a challenge, but keep trying and you’ll eventually find a rhythm that works.
Choose the best new hires for your team every time by partnering with PrideStaff North Dallas. Our expert recruiters will fill your open positions quickly and efficiently, so you’ll be fully staffed in no time at all. Contact us today to discuss your needs!
