By Rachel Adrian
Millennial social media
purpose
Today there are more millennials in the workplace than another demographic group. This generation has grown up in a very different reality than those of the past and it is critical that businesses go beyond the usual approaches to engage them. How can they be engaged to maximize their potential?1. Purpose:Millennials, more so than any other generation rank having a sense of purpose in their workplace as important to them. This study found that they rank purpose above reputation, work-life balance or flexibility. Infusing purpose into the workplace caters to this desire and has proven effective in engaging other generations too2. Lots of Options: Having multiple ways for people to participate in engagement initiatives fosters a dynamic environment that millennials love. Cater activities to different personality types and generations to ensure that everyone can find activities that work for them.3. Feedback: Millennials grew up in the time of instant feedback. Semi-annual, structured reviews are too infrequent and formal for this demographic. Rather, they prefer constant reminders of what they are doing well, and specific things that they can improve on. This continual individual feedback ensures that each individual knows their role within the organization and feels valued, and also makes your work more efficient.One last thing, millennials love to be part of something bigger. So why not ask the millennials already in your company what would make them more engaged? By thoughtfully listening to their suggestions and implementing some ideas, you will have gained buy in from the very people you are trying to reach.Millennials play a crucial part in our businesses but we often integrate them in a way that does not allow them to reach their full potential. Employing these simple changes can make the workplace more efficient and engaging for all generations.While these tips are targeted to engaging millennials, they are really quite universal and can be applied to all generations. These three simple tips will help to cultivate a sense of purpose amongst employees, both in their work and personal lives.As former President Obama said in his recent farewell speech “Let me tell you, this generation coming up — unselfish, altruistic, creative, patriotic — I've seen you in every corner of the country…You know that constant change has been America's hallmark; that it's not something to fear but something to embrace…You'll soon outnumber all of us, and I believe as a result the future is in good hands.”