Every generation has a slightly different approach to work. Knowing what this is and how best to connect with people will help you to get the most out of all your employees.
The millennial employee is defined as someone who is born between 1980 and 2000. But, you shouldn’t be referring to them as millennial employees! Just like every employee it is important to recognize that they have names, their own characteristics and needs.
You simply need to use their name and talk t them to find out what positive traits they have that can benefit your business and even allow you to connect on a social level.
It is important to be aware that many millennial employees have become accustomed to working alone; it’s important you understand the benefits and perils of this method of working.
Here are 5 ways to connect with your millennial employees:
1. Be Vulnerable
Surprisingly millennial employees don’t want to be given loads of free advice. Instead they prefer to hear about the struggles you’ve faced and how you’ve overcome them.
It’s always a good idea to check that they are happy to hear a personal story first; this will make them more receptive. They can then take the morale of your story and apply it to their own situation.
In effect you’ll be opening a two way street; they may wish to share with you in the future.
2. Listen
This actually applies to every generation. If you’re prepared to share with them then you need to be prepared to listen to what they have to say. It is possible they will be more in touch with the technological demands of modern society. Their advice can help you personally and in business.
3. Communicate Properly
This is the generation that has grown up with digital communication. They generally prefer to have short conversations that are to the point. Business expectations and needs are best communicated via written messages.
You should also leave the channels open to ensure they have understood your needs or demands and whether they have any issues.
If there is an issue a little respect will go a long way to smoothing over the problem.
4. Feedback
Millennial employees welcome feedback. It doesn’t matter if you’re praising them or providing constructive criticism. The point is that you’re telling them how they have done and how they can do better or keep doing the same in the future.
This is a generation that is open to the idea that everyone has faults and everyone can learn from each other. Be honest about your mistakes and provide them with constructive ways to improve and you’ll have some amazing employees!
5. Join Them In
If you’re running a big company it can be hard to find the time to listen to everyone. But, you need to give millennial employees an opportunity to join in the discussions. They can learn and grow from the experience and you may be surprised at the insights they can offer.
But, above all remember that these are general guidelines. Every employee is different no matter what generation they belong to; treat them as individuals and you’ll go a long way to connecting with them.
