Five tips to keep up with a millennial workforce
“No matter how you cut it, the companies that are leveraging the talents of their millennial workforce will continue to be the companies that thrive.”
Companies that are embracing all-things digital are reaping the benefits while those that don’t run the risk of being left behind.
But with more than half the workforce now made up of tech-savvy millennials, is this transformation being driven by high-end technology or by the expectations of a digital native workforce?
Heather Mostert, from Airshot, says it’s a chicken and egg situation.
“No matter how you cut it, the companies that are leveraging the talents of their millennial workforce will continue to be the companies that thrive.
“More than 50% of today’s workforce is made up of millennials. Born between 1980 and 2000, this generation was using screens before they could walk. Digital communication is a basic condition of their home, social and educational lives,” Mostert says.
“So why should it be any different in the workplace?”
Here are five powerful tips for managing workplace communication in the millennial age, while also staying safe during the pandemic:
Go digital or go home
Millennials are always on their phones. Their lives are managed through apps, so give your people the ability to connect with your business on one centralised platform that makes their lives easier.
“Streamline their workflow and communicate anywhere, at any time. Super handy. Super millennial.”
Give your employees a purpose
“Like other generations, millennials have a strong set of values that motivate them. When they can see what they are achieving, they feel valued and are hyper driven to perform.
“Keep them engaged and connected. Give them the instantaneous feedback to track team and individual performance on leader boards, to inform how your company is delivering against its purpose,” she said.
“Show your millennial employees what they mean to your business and the part they are playing in the change you are creating.”
The feedback loop
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Your business needs to use a system that gives your people the opportunity to give and get feedback on their performance and on the business. With the right measurement tools in place, you’ll be able to measure who is engaging with your content and when.
“That way, you can streamline your communications and ensure that your messaging packs a punch,” Mostert says.
Let’s get visual
“Use all the visual tools that you can and keep your communication simple and incredibly easy for everyone on your team – millennial or not. From personalised video to annotated screenshots and GIFs, have all the visual components for maximising workplace communication.”
Recognition
Growing up with instant gratification, one of the millennials’ most distinctive features is their need to be recognised, by their superiors and (especially) by their peers.
To motivate performance, recognise the teams and individuals that are achieving through incentives and rewards.
“You just need to make sure that you’re communicating on the same wavelength. Use technology, leverage their values and encourage collaboration and your employees will be both effective and productive in your business.”
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