Stop hating on millennials: 5 ways they’ve improved the workplace for everyone

At a glance

• Millennials have overtaken boomers as the largest percentage of the workforce.
• Research shows that managers view their millennial employees as catalysts of organizational change.
• Millennials impact the workplace through improving systems, implementing technology, demanding flexibility, welcoming diversity initiatives and seeking meaning in their work beyond the paycheck.
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According to media headlines, the millennial generation is responsible for ruining just about everything — from travel to the housing market to even breakfast cereals. Stereotyped as indulgent, lazy and obsessed with social media and technology, those born between 1981 and 1996 are credited with disrupting industries with their consumer spending habits. But millennials are also shaping industries from within organizations as both employees and managers. Understanding their impact from within the workplace has become increasingly critical as millennials have overtaken boomers as the largest percentage of the workforce.

A study about managerial insights on millennials in the workplace, published in November 2022 by the Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Research at University of Phoenix (UOPX), asserts that acknowledging the positive cultural changes this generation has brought is essential for managers leading a multigenerational workplace.

1. Millennials modernize work processes by challenging the status quo

Over three-fourths of managers in the study noted the importance of millennials as a catalyst for organizational change.

One study participant explained, “Often millennials bring different perspectives and fresh, efficient ways of doing things. This helps the organization, as older workers may not have thought of certain solutions because they have been doing things for so long, the same way. Innovative ideas create the changes we need to survive as a company.”

Of course, some industries embrace innovation more than others. Sessoms-Penny elaborates, “Industries that have been more welcoming to millennials in the workplace are technology, logistics and government businesses. They support change, especially as it benefits them and others.”

2. Millennials demand flexibility from their employers

Once upon a time, working from home was a workplace perk enjoyed by an exclusive few. Now it’s almost a given — and if you like taking Zoom calls in your pajamas, you have millennials to thank.

Another manager participant in the study related expressing his surprise during an interview where a millennial applicant vocalized that the ability to work from home on certain days was non-negotiable — a statement that once would have been an immediate deal breaker.

Today’s applicants expect that the hiring organization will be willing to negotiate on the terms of work, such as flexible working hours and locations, thus opening opportunities for more diverse applicants such as those balancing careers and other obligations, like caregiving or school.

3. Millennials push technology into the workplace  

While technology opened the door for millennials to update their workplace internet and social media policies, it’s through revising these systems and platforms that millennials can propel their organizations forward and enhance their competitiveness.

Another plus: Older and less tech-savvy workers can increase their technology proficiency through exposure to the technology and training from their younger colleagues. Need proof? Three years into the pandemic, it seems like just about everyone can finally operate their laptop camera for the daily Zoom meeting.

4. Millennials insist on employers prioritizing diversity initiatives

According to Glassdoor’s 2020 Diversity Hiring survey, 76% of job seekers and employees believe a diverse workforce is essential when evaluating a workplace. That's no surprise since millennials constitute the largest segment of today’s workforce and are among the most racially and ethnically diverse generations in U.S. history.

But why is diversity so important to millennials in the workplace? According to Gallup, millennials differentiate themselves from other generations through three unique traits:

• They’re connected: They are more aware of a wide range of perspectives, cultures and lifestyles.
• They’re unrestrained: They are more comfortable having uncomfortable conversations.
• They’re idealistic: They envision a workplace in which every voice is valued and heard.

5. Millennials demand meaning in their work beyond a paycheck  

Millennials have been criticized for being less engaged with their work and perennial job hoppers. According to Gallup, 21% of millennials report changing jobs within the last year, more than three times the number of non-millennials.

The future of millennials in the workplace

While millennials have edged out boomers both as the largest percentage of the workforce and the media’s favorite scapegoat, the contributions millennials have made to workplace culture are undeniable. Keeping them engaged in their work is a unique challenge for managers of millennials, but a skill worth developing to retain this talented workforce.

In increasing numbers, millennials are moving into management roles, further influencing the culture of America’s workplaces. The Center for Workplace Inclusion and Diversity Research is planning future research on how these former millennial employees operate as managers.

For example, Taylor asks, “Do they fall in line and maintain the status quo, or are they change agents who understand the importance of making every employee feel included and appreciated?”

Sessoms-Penny adds: “We need to understand millennials as managers and change agents. They have the opportunity to influence others and prepare the next generation of workers for the workforce.”

Based on the research, that’s probably a good thing.