Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, are the first generation to grow up with cell phones, computers and Internet access. From reading the news online to calling friends and family, digital technology dramatically changed everyday life - both at home and at work.
Millennials at Work
Millennials are now the largest generation in the workforce (35%), and more are entering each year. So what does this mean for your organization? In a day and age where technology is a necessary part of life, organizations who want to reach the next generation of members must go digital. Most millennials who are working or looking for work:- Place significant value on workplace experience.
- Expect company-provided technologies (e.g., wikis, blogs, video-on-demand).
- Want open, two-way communication (kept in the loop).
- Need quick and easy access to information.
- Prefer electronic communication (e.g., email, instant messaging).
- Enjoy interactive e-learning platforms.
- Care about personal growth, promotion and constructive feedback.
Adjusting to the Generation
The attitudes listed above are what make digital technology so appealing to millennials. Tech-savvy and highly connected, they are used to having a wealth of information at their fingertips. Because of this, organizations need to adjust their outreach efforts and adapt to the changing digital landscape.A website and social media page may keep your company in the spotlight, but is it enough? If members need workplace safety training, is a printed document as effective as an electronic one? If an email is sent about an upcoming networking event, are you sure members will read it? Instead, make your organization stand out by engaging members in one digital platform. A user-friendly mobile app may be the solution you need to grow and connect with your members.
Although millennials have a close relationship with technology, digital outreach is essential for every generation – Baby Boomers and Gen Xers alike. With that being said, organizations should be mindful of generational differences and how they choose to interact with members.