4 Reasons Millennials Are Great for the Workforce

Every generation brings something new to the table. And while it is true that every individual is different, there can be defining traits that are thought to be inherent to each of these groups.

In the workforce and elsewhere, millennials tend to have a bad reputation. The stereotypical traits of these employees -- commonly defined as those born between 1981 and 1996 -- include laziness, narcissism, and disloyalty. In reality, millennials are quite the opposite.

If you have any hesitation about hiring a millennial because of the rumors you’ve heard, let these points put you at ease. Here are just a few of the reasons millennials can make a great addition to your organization.

They Are Loyal to the Right Employer

Despite the accusations that they are job-hoppers, millennials are not leaving jobs at a higher rate than any other generation before them. In fact, the 1-3 years they are spending at a single company is expected at the beginning of most careers – it’s not generational. The average job tenure for young workers in their twenties has changed only slightly since the 1980s.

Millennials are actually staying with their employers longer than Gen X did at the same age. An IBM study even found that 47% of members of Gen X would leave their current position for a salary bump and increased innovation. Compare that to 42% of millennials who would do the same.

They’re Great at Technology AND In-Person Communication

While millennials did grow up in the internet age, this didn’t necessarily make them reliant on tech. It did, however, make them experts at using these tools. They’re technologically savvy and understand that this is an extremely valuable resource.

But millennials also acknowledge that tech cannot replace a face-to-face meeting. According to that same IBM study, this generation actually prefers meeting in person to chatting online or via video call. And when it comes to learning new skills, millennials would rather use methods that don’t include software and online tutorials if possible. They prefer a personal touch.

They Work Hard And Strive to Succeed

Gen Y does value flexible working hours, but that does not make them lazy or entitled. Millennials are actually more likely to compare themselves to their peers and value competition.

One study found that 83% of millennials work over the traditional 40-hour week, with 23% working over 50 hours. That research also showed that 21 percent of those surveyed work more than one job. Yet another study found that 89% of millennials check their work email after hours.

They Have Good Values

People in older generations tend to point out that millennials need constant praise because they grew up receiving participation trophies just for showing up. However, it’s actually Gen X who are more likely to believe that everyone on a successful team deserves a reward.

What millennials are looking for, however, is dependability, transparency, and ethics. Because they saw the effects of the recession at an early age – either just entering the workforce or preparing to do so -- millennials are wary of the same happening to them. Therefore, they value a company and a manager they can both trust in and speak to.

They also thrive on feedback, whether positive or negative. They want to know what they can do better, and when they should stay on track.

In truth, millennials aren’t all that different than the generations before them. They are dedicated and hardworking, and they can truly thrive in a business environment. Give them the appropriate resources, trust in them, and watch what they can do for your organization.

If you’re interested in adding excellent employees to your team, millennial or otherwise, reach out to our expert team of consultants at Michael Page.