Millennial Mania and the Next Big Productive Wave
Millennials are all grown up and here to stay. They are bringing their unique ideas to the workplace and changing the way business is run.
We’ve been hearing, talking and learning about this numerical force of nature for more than a decade.
Now parents themselves, they also hold important positions at companies, in politics and in every other aspect of our lives. They touch our daily existence and we’re better for it.
I gave a keynote to 2000 people recently and mentioned that “some of you are worn out, checked out and even grossed out by the fact that you’re getting older. Right? Yet, your ideas carry weight and your experience is essential, however there IS a new sheriff in town. Personally, I’m often the oldest dude in any room now. And my generation actually began using ‘dude’ way before recent generations.”
Are we finished talking about this group? Have we seen the last of this coddled, tenacious, and social group of 80 million? I don’t believe so. But some people are writing that 2019 is the end of the Millennial discussion. I call these folks delusional! Wishful thinkers that want things THE WAY THEY USED TO BE.
Umm, when is the last time anything stayed the same?
All generations are asking for a healthier workplace with incentives for staying fit, healthier working conditions and open communications from C-Suite to new staff.
And, management wants increased productivity from all generations!
I offer up solutions in my presentations and training. Among them is the massively important and not so new-idea of having a workplace culture that is built around communicating openly and freely at work. Ideas flow, positive cultural changes are made and workers are essentially happier, plus more productive!
The truth can sting. Honesty grows relationships. Open and honest communications that are respectful often lead to greater workplace productivity and staff retention.
I understand that isn’t easy for everyone. However, leaders that want to grow need to do this. Employers that want to spend less money onboarding new staff must do this. And, Boomers, Gen X and Millennials best understand the specific needs of each generation. An hour or two meeting discussing the similarities and differences can yield big dividends for everyone. It can be fun, enlightening and empowering as we begin to prepare for the next big wave-Generation Z
As we prepare for a generation of approximately 61 million strong, it good to remember that their group size is larger than Gen X but smaller than Millennials.
A workplace that has an open and positive workplace culture grows, matures and retains employees better than ones who do not. And, recognizing the similarities we have and connecting us to one another is essential in maintaining a positive and productive workplace.
What are you doing to connect generations at work? If asked, would your staff agree that your organization has an open workplace environment that creates a culture of ideas, health and is both client and employee-focused?
To learn more or to set up time to chat with Scott visit http://www.scottlesnick.com/