HRM Five: What employers need to know about millennials

Millennials speak differently, often in their own codes, and behave differently as well. But they will form 50% of the workforce by 2020, and 75% by 2025,  They are therefore dictating a large number of working trends at the moment. Here are some traits that make millennials stand out from the the generations that have come before them, both in the workplace and beyond.

1. Creativity: Millennials are known for thinking outside the box and shaking up traditional ideas. They like coming up with creative solutions to a wide array of challenges. They have big-picture thinking, and are considered an asset to companies that are open to new ideas.

2. Innovation – Millennials will work hard to improve. They are a curious bunch, eager to develop new skills and take on more responsibilities. They will ask more questions and challenge the status quo in order to get ahead.

3. Mobility – Millennials grew up in a connected-world, with friends and acquaintances based throughout the planet. That has made them eager to experience the physical world, and they are often willing to up and leave for another country if there is the chance of a new experience. Employers that can harness this passion will certainly appreciate the value that millenials can bring to a multi-market organisation.

4. Adaptability – Millennials like flexible work schedules and are excited to switch between different projects, environments and expectations. They will typically also value work-life balance over financial rewards.

5. Preference for honesty – More than any other generation, the Millennials appreciate clear and open feedback from their employers. They see this critique of their work as part of ongoing professional development. Millennials are eager to get ahead fast, and a mentor is often seen as a key benefit for this.