The Psychology of Motivating Millennials in the Workplace

Millennials are poised to dominate the future workforce, with projections indicating a significant uptick in their numbers over the coming years. 

But if you've ever managed Millennials, you might have encountered some roadblocks—maybe they seemed a bit disrespectful, or they didn't always follow instructions to the letter. Frustrating, isn't it?

But fear not! This article isn't about dwelling on the negatives. Instead, let's celebrate the unique strengths and expectations that Millennials bring to the table. From their boundless creativity to their unwavering sense of purpose and ambition, Millennials have a lot to offer in the workplace.

Let's dive in to understand how managing and motivating millennials works.

Who are Millenials?

Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are those born roughly between the early 1980s and the late 1990s or early 2000s. This means that the oldest Millennials have been part of the workforce for around two decades, while the youngest may still be in college or just starting their careers.

How do Millennials work, and how do we manage them?

Understanding Millennials' work styles and how to manage them effectively is essential in today's workplace. While some may view Millennials negatively as selfish or undisciplined, it's important to recognize their valuable skills and innovative approach to work.

Millennials bring fresh perspectives and a willingness to embrace change, which can lead to significant improvements in the workplace. When you understand their attributes and values, you can harness their potential for the benefit of both the organization and the employees. Here are some tips for motivating millennials in the workplace.

Be honest and open with Millennial employees

Being honest and open with Millennial employees is key to fostering trust and engagement in the workplace. Millennials value transparency and want to feel connected to the inner workings of their company. When employers openly share information, it helps Millennials feel more invested in the company's future.

Simple transparency and open dialogue can motivating millennials at work. Providing insight into the business operations encourages employees to feel like valued team members. Conversely, withholding information can lead to demotivation and disengagement among Millennials.

If you need help with this, the Speakers Agency’s wide range of speakers will help you motivate your employees and management. 

Offer competitive salaries

Offering competitive salaries is a must to reel in and keep Millennial talent hooked. Despite some saying money isn't everything to this generation, recent studies tell a different story.

In a ManPower Group study on Millennial Careers, 92% of Millennials put money right at the top when picking an employer. While a fat paycheck might lure them in, it's not enough to keep them on board for the long haul!

Offer flexibility

Offering flexibility in the workplace is like tossing a golden carrot to Millennials. It comes in various flavors, like working from home or having unlimited vacation days. And guess what? Most Millennials gobble it up.

With technology making remote work a breeze, many companies are hopping on the flexibility. But you don't need a complete overhaul to make Millennials grin. As savvy business leaders reveal, even minor tweaks toward flexibility can rev up their motivation.

Experts highlight the recruitment power of flexibility. They have noted that nearly half of office workers would think twice about a job offer without flexible hours or the option to work remotely at least once a week.

Mastery

Millennials are all about mastering and learning. They thrive on finding innovative solutions and expanding their skill set. What they crave most from leadership is the freedom to learn and work in their own way.

Their knack for independent learning is deeply rooted in their tech-savvy nature. Millennials are the ultimate digital natives, raised in a world of online resources and social media. Technology isn't just a tool for them—it's a way of life. But sometimes, older bosses miss the memo on this digital fluency, failing to grasp its importance in communication and learning.

Yet, Millennials are eager beavers to pick up new skills and knowledge. With their "can-do" attitude, they're like sponges, ready to soak up whatever you throw their way. A manager who fosters their learning journey will earn their respect and dedication.

Performance discussions

Regular performance discussions are a way to go to motivate Millennials. Forget those old-fashioned annual reviews—Millennials thrive on frequent feedback. It's their chance to give and receive input regularly, making them feel heard and connected to their team.

For instance, weekly individual meetings set the tone for the week ahead, giving employees a platform to voice their needs and concerns. It's a win-win for both managers and team members.

Collaboration

Motivating millennials is all about teamwork and collaboration. They thrive on sharing ideas and working closely with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. They're open-minded and eager to explore fresh perspectives.

When it comes to feedback, forget the traditional once-a-year reviews. Millennials prefer ongoing, honest conversations about their performance. In a rigid appraisal system, this can be a sticking point.

As a manager, celebrate their wins and offer praise when they excel. Give feedback that's prompt, specific, and personal. Millennials value transparency and appreciate managers who are fearless in addressing challenges head-on. These conversations build trust and foster a supportive work environment.

Start employee advocacy programs

Millennials love social media, with 42% using it at work. Employers can tap into this by engaging employees in advocacy or social selling programs and rewarding their efforts. It's a win-win for everyone involved.

Millennials can become your best brand ambassadors, helping attract talent, increase brand awareness, and generate quality leads.

Acknowledge the importance of psychological safety

Just like any employee, Millennials thrive in an environment where they feel psychologically safe. This means they want to feel heard and valued, where their opinions matter, and where it's okay to make mistakes without fear of judgment. 

When employees feel safe to share their thoughts and ideas, it fosters a sense of belonging and engagement.

Employees often need help with great ideas for fear of rejection. So, encourage them to share openly, assure them their input is valued, and show that you're genuinely listening and considering their suggestions. This simple act can boost their motivation and sense of importance within the company.

What Next?

To attract and retain Millennials, employers must adapt to their preferences. Investing in technology solutions can help engage, motivate, and communicate effectively with this generation.

Millennials value sensitivity and regular feedback over traditional hierarchies. Their tech-savviness offers fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to work.

To address these needs, consider hosting workshops with expert speakers. Reach out to The Speakers Agency to explore tailored solutions for your team.