The Pew Research Center defines millennials as the generation of people born between 1981 and 1996. Today millennials are the largest participants in America’s workforce at 35 percent, with more than one in three either working or seeking employment—and by the year 2030 that number will be closer to 75 percent. What sets this generation apart from those before it is their level of reliance and comfort with the technology that they essentially grew up with. In order to succeed in business today and in the coming years, it is important that your company’s strategy for learning reflects the needs and desires of this group to ensure they remain engaged and productive.
Tips for Success
The key to keeping millennials engaged is rooted in technology, particularly that which allows them to collaborate and communicate quickly and easily with clients and colleagues. Increase productivity and employee satisfaction in your organization with these tips:
Embrace the BYOD Movement
Millennials are rarely seen without their smartphones or tablets, and are accustomed to having instant access to information. By implementing a more formal BYOD (bring your own device) policy into your organization employees can utilize their devices to remain connected to your company’s network, with the benefit of enhanced security.
Gamify Your Environment
Gamification is the process of using gaming technology and design techniques in a non-traditional format to find the solution to a problem while engaging the user. As the employee progresses throughout any given program and they are rewarded with next-level status, they are further encouraged to learn, explore, and overcome the challenges presented before them in a familiar environment.
Promote Collaborative Learning
Millennials actively seek out collaboration, turning to social media platforms, search engines, and instant messaging as a way of gaining or sharing knowledge. By using a social collaboration platform such as Confluence or Yammer, you provide a means for employees to efficiently and effectively communicate. Millennials can participate in discussion groups and chats, and join like-minded communities to seek out advice and receive the feedback they have come to expect from time spent on personal social networks.
Microlearning
The same quick connectivity that produces fast results for millennials seeking information has created an expectation when it comes to learning. Short videos are a popular and effective resource, which are easily digestible and shareable across your organization.
Millennials offer a unique skill set to the workplace. Be sure to incorporate strategies that meet their needs and you’ll have a more engaged workforce.
