Distinct Generations
Distinct generations, that is - the Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millennials, hold different values, ideas, ways of doing things as well as communicating to each other.
Millennials and Technology
Millennials - also known as Generation Y - a cohort born in 80s/90s, is a generation that has been characterized by the revolutionization of technology that saw computers, tablets, and the web become centralized to work and life. Whereas adults had to learn technology making it more difficult for them to acquire skills, member of this group approached technology natively. This has led to the transformation of the way people of this generation interact with one another (Zheng, Robert, Jason, and Clifford).
The Social Generation
Millennials are a social generation. They are usually in groups whether online or offline. You can always know what they are doing through what they post on social media. They shop in groups and consult on one another. This group rarely fights with their parents. A huge number of them influence what products their parents buy, what shops and restaurants they visit and on their destination trips. There is lack of conflicts in this generation meaning that they are paramount promoters of business commercial messages to older generations, their peers as well as the younger ones.
Collaborative and Cooperative
Millennials are also collaborative and cooperative. They have a mindset of 'fixing it together', and they want everybody to get along. The co-decision-making aspect brings everyone on board in making important decisions in any organization.
Passionate about Values
Millennials are passionate about values. They are praised, respected, befriended and guided by their parents carefully to live well-structured lives. A high number of them integrate their beliefs and causes into their choice of organizations to support their purchases and their day-to-day interactions. They care about what is genuine and authentic and are likely to buy products from companies that support causes they care about (DelCampo and Robert).
Influencing Organizational Cultures
Through Millennials, organizational cultures are influenced. They are uniquely positioned to drive a fundamental shift in management and workplace engagement. Their greatest influence is when they work and relate with their peers unlike when the top management is involved. For instance, they are more involved in causes/ charitable activities when their colleagues are involved.
Flexible Work Schedules
Millennials prefer working in flexible work schedules. Many companies are looking at ways of incorporating this demand through strategies that allow employees to choose a schedule that best suit their personal life such as: flexible work day, telework agreement and alternate work week.
Works cited
DelCampo, Robert G. Managing the Multi-Generational Workforce: From the Gi Generation to the Millennials. Farnham: Gower, 2011. Print.
Zheng, Robert, Jason J. Burrow-Sanchez, and Clifford J. Drew. Adolescent Online Social Communication and Behavior: Relationship Formation on the Internet. Hershey, Pa: IGI Global, 2010. Print.
