THERE are 16.2 million Millennials in the UK and by 2025 they are expected to make up as much as 75 per cent of the workforce.*
“So what?’ you might be saying, “that’s ages away’ and, more importantly, “what’s it got to do with me?’ Well, if you own a business or are in a management role, this generation is, and will continue to have a huge impact on how you do things. As Josh Bersin recently said in a Forbes article on The Millennials, “most companies are discovering that supporting and retaining this talent requires a new way of doing business.’**
And in reality, eight years is nothing. We all know time flies when you’re having fun!
Millennials are philanthropic people that like to integrate their personal passions and inspirations into their identity at work. They are very ambitious, natural collaborators and they have a strong sense of what they want to achieve in their careers. Oh, and as you may have already assumed, they are very, very tech-driven.
So, if these “digital natives’ are on route with a workplace takeover, how can you make sure that your business is ready to embrace them?
Here are some starting points:
1 – Technology is key. If there is one thing that sets this generation apart from others, it’s their relationship with devices, systems, and social media. They see technology as an enabler of productivity and they don’t deal well with slow systems. If your tech is old, chances are they won’t join your forces.
2 – Flexibility and challenges turn millennials on. They will enter your workplace with fire in their bellies and a willingness to get stuck in. Collaboration comes naturally but the physical workplace environment is key. Does your office provide a variety of spaces for users? Can people collaborate easily or work privately if needed? This is something that Millennial’s prioritise when looking for a workplace.
3 – They expect communication to be seamless. Email is not seen as the main tool for conversation in the eyes of millennial users. They prefer a mixture of instant messaging, video and voice calls. Video conference meetings are the norm. To them, cutting down travel means they can achieve more with their time. Solutions like Skype for Business and 8×8 are music to their ears.
So the big question is: will your business have what millennials are looking for? And if not, what will your business look like in 2025?
At ACS, we implement the latest solutions to help businesses achieve their objectives and with modern technology and modern workplaces at the forefront of what we do, maybe we could help you get ready for the digital natives? Call the team on 01604 704 014 or email .
Written by Hannah Brady, ACS Office Solutions, from a cafe near you!