The conversation about millennial workers has moved on from the label of ‘lazy’ and towards a hard-working group of young individuals, charged to make a difference in the workplace. Research suggests that by 2025, they will make up nearly 75% of our working population. As London Tech Week kicks off, it is the responsibility of leaders to create an environment where employees of all ages can work together productively and collaboratively. I wrote earlier this year about why now is the time for responsible leadership, and promoting the tech sector as a place of opportunity for millennials is an important part of this.
Inevitably, each generation approaches work in a different way, and research shows there are several key factors business leaders should consider when it comes to millennial workers:
A sense of shared purpose
How businesses demonstrate their values is key to engaging with young employees. Research shows widespread support for social causes among today’s young people. 76% say businesses are having a positive impact on wider society, but they also believe businesses aren’t doing enough to help alleviate some of the world’s biggest challenges.
To attract and sustain discerning candidates, business leaders must consider what their organisations stand for, and demonstrate commitment to these values. Companies should offer young workers a sense that they have a stake in their future, and can have an impact on the world beyond their day-to-day responsibilities. It is well-documented that businesses with a genuine sense of purpose tend to achieve stronger long-term growth, and the same is true for tapping into millennial talent; six out of ten said a sense of purpose was key to their current choice of employer.
Technology-savvy
From the Internet of Things to blockchain, advances in technology create a real opportunity for millennials. As a generation, they are remarkably tech-savvy, having grown up surrounded by technology on an unprecedented scale. And just as end-users adapt to the requirements of new technologies, so businesses must adapt to the tech proficiency of today’s young workers.
This digital familiarity has benefits, as many are quick to learn, but it can also have drawbacks, like a potential reliance on social media-based interactions and tendency to prioritise multitasking over focused problem-solving.
As tech leaders, it’s our responsibility to translate this enthusiasm for consumer technology into careers in the sector. That’s what CA’s Create Tomorrow programme is all about – I know I talk about it a lot, but the only way for businesses to close the skills gap that threatens the future of tech is to take action.
Diversity matters
For millennials, diversity really does matter. A 2016 report showed they are more likely to feel engaged and empowered in a workplace that fosters an inclusive culture. This age group defines diversity and inclusion differently; they have moved beyond debates around acceptance and tolerance, and instead focus on the benefits an inclusive working environment can bring.
I am proud that CA have been leading the way in cultivating an atmosphere of inclusion. We’ve got the numbers to back that up, too. In December, we scored 100% on the Corporate Equality Index, a national benchmark for corporate practices and policy relating to LGBT workers. And let’s not ignore that diversity isn’t just good for workers, it’s also good for business. As our CEO Mike Gregoire argued earlier this year, diverse teams create more innovative solutions.
Make them feel welcome
I have no doubt that the negative headlines around ‘millennials’ as a group will persist. Business leaders must separate such discussion from the importance of building inclusive organisations that welcome millennials with open arms.
The fast-approaching Fourth Industrial Revolution will only make the challenge posed by the skills gap more urgent. By 2020, it’s currently estimated that there will be a shortage of 700,000 skilled IT workers. Millennials have a lot to tell us about the future of business, and it’s time for us to start listening.