Millennials have been transforming the workplace for the past decade or so with new attitudes and striking characteristics that differ from previous generations. By 2025, Millennials will be the workforce majority and they are looking for something different from the workplace of their predecessors.

Company Culture

Many Millennials are less motivated by money and more inspired by a positive working culture.  It is essential that companies begin adapting office spaces to cater to these mindsets, as well as more traditional expectations if they want to retain some of the best and brightest.

For example: Google invested in lavish office features like secret libraries and even slides to foster its dynamic work culture. The rationale behind this is that good interpersonal relationships are key to driving creativity. A designated space for recreation can help employees feel more invested in the company because it demonstrates a level of care about work-life balance. This can be as simple as setting up a lounge area or game room which acts as a focal point to spark relationship building and foster a sense of community. If the company presents a more corporate culture, a feature like glass walls could reflect the company’s honest and transparent nature.

Food also plays a part in creating a more balanced and inclusive feel. Workplace hubs offering diverse and tempting refreshments give employees the chance to chat and foster relationships, while at the same time providing them with a designated space to recharge and eat lunch away from their workstations.

Diversity and Inclusion

Millennials feel strongly about diversity and inclusion for several reasons. They are the most diverse generation to date; they are more naturally enthusiastic about their philosophies and political opinions; and they feel that diversity has been handled poorly by past generations.

So how do companies bring more diversity into the workplace? The key is to know the different kinds of diversity: inherent and acquired. Inherent diversity includes characteristics such as race, gender, or age. Acquired diversity involves traits you get from certain experiences, such as education, knowledge, or skills.  Hiring someone who has worked in a foreign country is a good example of acquired diversity.

To help celebrate a company’s diversity, hold events or activities. For example: create a diverse holiday calendar to encourage employees to get involved and find ways to celebrate different traditions.  Sharing food, music and celebrations from around the world is a great team building activity to help employees connect.

Millennials will eventually replace the aging Baby Boomers and, noting key differences of the generation they are about to replace, will start addressing those differences with new approaches. Plus, with more Millennials taking the role of leadership positions, even in major companies, there will be a bigger push for diversity and inclusion programs in the workplace.

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