2008 Woodie Awards
Millennial Generation hits work force
Technology, expectations push more dynamic workplace
Alyssa Fleck
Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: News
Originally published: 12/6/07 at 6:05 PM EST
Last update: 12/6/07 at 6:51 PM EST
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They were raised by soccer moms constantly reminding them how special they are.
They had video games in their hands at the age of five, personal computers by 17.
They have money in their eyes when they imagine their future, and in some cases, fame.
They are the Millennial Generation, and as their confidence grows and their expectations rise, they imagine a life and a career far different from those of generations past.
"(Millennial's) have different expectations for the nature of their work because of this experience of being wanted and catered to," said Barbara Barry of the Plattsburgh State Career and Development Center on the shifting lifestyles among generations. "They don'twant to just sit in a cubicle and do routine work and not be challenged."
Barry, who discussed a recent workshop presented by Enterprise Rent-A-Car called "Generational Insights," explained that, based on the changing expectations, the younger generations have for their employers, both the workforce and the Millennials will have to make adjustments and adapt to the changes.
"They expect a more dynamic workplace and more autonomy and meaningful work right away where other generations were told, 'pay your dues, sit down and shut up, and your turn will come,'" said Barry, who explained that different employers are going to react differently to the shift in expectations.
With some more agreeable than others, Barry described how the "Generational Insights" workshop looked at different ways of handling the changing generations and how to motivate and reward the Millennials.
Noted in the presentation was how Millennials are not defined by their work. Where past generations, such as the Matures, were much more driven by 40 hour or more work weeks, younger generations found a balance between work and pleasure, needing more free time to feel happy.
Barry said employers look at this need for balance and apply it to the workplace, attracting younger employees with a more flexible work schedule and recognition or rewards consisting of free time and more say in group activities.
They had video games in their hands at the age of five, personal computers by 17.
They have money in their eyes when they imagine their future, and in some cases, fame.
They are the Millennial Generation, and as their confidence grows and their expectations rise, they imagine a life and a career far different from those of generations past.
"(Millennial's) have different expectations for the nature of their work because of this experience of being wanted and catered to," said Barbara Barry of the Plattsburgh State Career and Development Center on the shifting lifestyles among generations. "They don'twant to just sit in a cubicle and do routine work and not be challenged."
Barry, who discussed a recent workshop presented by Enterprise Rent-A-Car called "Generational Insights," explained that, based on the changing expectations, the younger generations have for their employers, both the workforce and the Millennials will have to make adjustments and adapt to the changes.
"They expect a more dynamic workplace and more autonomy and meaningful work right away where other generations were told, 'pay your dues, sit down and shut up, and your turn will come,'" said Barry, who explained that different employers are going to react differently to the shift in expectations.
With some more agreeable than others, Barry described how the "Generational Insights" workshop looked at different ways of handling the changing generations and how to motivate and reward the Millennials.
Noted in the presentation was how Millennials are not defined by their work. Where past generations, such as the Matures, were much more driven by 40 hour or more work weeks, younger generations found a balance between work and pleasure, needing more free time to feel happy.
Barry said employers look at this need for balance and apply it to the workplace, attracting younger employees with a more flexible work schedule and recognition or rewards consisting of free time and more say in group activities.
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