Millennials.
What are they? People born between 1984 and 2004, comprising a majority in the U.S. workforce, some 53.5 million strong -- and sporting a label that's probably not in your spell-check yet.
You definitely know some.
What's so special about this cohort of rising stars? And how can the workplace optimize their positive impact?
Here are five traits to keep in mind.
1) Millennials want Results & Recognition. They're used to feedback and back-pats. Often. After all, it wasn't so long ago that they were getting report cards.
When they work out, they track their effort and they get results. When they ping for an Uber, it appears. And when they go to work, they want to have their interests and accomplishments recognized.
What works: Formal rewards are welcome, and even a quick kudos at your next group meeting will resonate. Remember to explain why the work is particularly appreciated, because Millennials want to know. They want to have "a real, personal impact at work," as Lori Goler, Facebook's head of people, puts it. In fact, that's a top reason for remaining at their current company. (Sadly, only 28 percent say they feel their current organization is making full use of their skills. So find out what those skills are!)
2) Millennials are Social, Mobile, Tech-savvy, Educated -- and most admit they're quite self-absorbed. Put that all together and you have an intriguing new connector: they're texting friends from all over, reaffirming their reassuring networks, and digesting input 24/7 like digital baleen whales. They're famously in touch with parents and sibs.
Millennials appreciate opportunities to establish easy communications with their teams at work. They're keen to continue their training and strengthen their networks outside the office.
What works: consider an internal company feed, and be active on it. Heading out to a networking event? If it's appropriate, invite young team members to tag along. Suggest professional meet-ups that target their interests. Offer training courses. Send them into the wild!
Note: If they like something or someone (including you!), news will get around fast. Beware: the adverse is also true. A thumbs-down can be wicked dangerous.
3) Millennials are Global, and accustomed to Diversity. They're the most racially diverse generation in U.S. history. Chances are they've visited several countries, chat with friends on different continents. Nearly 70 percent of them want/expect an overseas assignment at some point.
What works: Involve them as you innovate. Expect their hidden talents to emerge! Get them humming on your social channels, invite their ideas, and engage their worldly perspectives. You'll be pleasantly surprised by their easy savvy.
Add up 1) 2) and 3), and you get 4) and 5)
4) Millennials heart Purpose. 71 percent want in on their company's volunteer, sustainability, and CSR initiatives. In the local community and (did we mention global?) around the world. 84 percent of Millennials made a charitable donation last year.
What works: Offer younger workers a chance to support their favorite causes. Help them find appealing initiatives that deserve attention.
Workers of the past identified colleagues and co-workers, with clear boundaries between work and home.
Today it's more of a mush; to Millennials we are all a kind of "family." 75 percent are interested in the sustainability efforts of their employer and coworkers. They're joiners! 92 percent of Millennials enjoyed a company-wide service day during the past year. Haven't got this organized? Simply ask a couple of them to run with it!
5) Millennials want to Love their Job. Millennials are acutely aware of their own public persona. Think of it: they've been on Facebook forever! Their outside identity includes, well, everything about them. Including the brands they buy, the beer they drink, the music they play, their Instagram feed -- and, of course, the company they work for.
What works: Employers should exude positive impact: something substantive, nothing artificial, and beyond mere profits. "The big takeaway: a focus on purpose and people is, for many Millennials, just as important as a company's ability to generate profit," according to Deloitte.
Just say No to cruelty, obduracy, opaqueness, injustice, lies, or recurring problems that don't get solved. Say yes to social, smart, responsive, and accountable.
And say Yes to a clear roadmap for a humming workplace culture in 2016!