Secondus

With the change in generation, comes the need to change in how you interact with them. This statement especially applies to the Millennials, who have now taken control over the workforce. Managing this particular generation can be quite challenging as people would need to be more engaging and sensitive to their needs. To make things simpler, I will identify three issues one may face when dealing with Millennials at work.

First off, "What's in it for me?" People of this generation would want to know what benefits they would get if they get employed in the company.

I first noticed this when my mother kept pushing to get me on a path that would land me on a good paying job, which is for me to undertake a business course. Never mind that I wanted to keep drawing or play my favorite sport for a living. It was risky and just wasn't practical. However, my mother managed to convince me when she told me that I would be able to do whatever I want when I earn enough money to do it.

Simple, right? Take the business course (even if you don't like it) and strive to be successful in that field. After which, you'll be able to get what you want. In the end, you'll be able to benefit from your hard-earned work. In other words, to get Millennials to work, you have to offer them benefits that would spark their interest.

Another trait of these Millennials, rather than being goal-oriented, is their being purpose-oriented or purpose driven. They constantly need to feel that what they are doing will have an impact in the organization or, on a much larger scale, the world. Otherwise, they see no point in staying or even getting into the organization.

One of the things that I like with my work as an on-call assistant teacher is that I know that I have helped make a kid's day, most especially when they look up to you with their wide eyes as they say "thank you". Not to mention, I know that I have helped my aunt in her business as I fill in for their absent assistant teacher.

And the last trait that serves to be a challenge to managers, which is somewhat related to the previous one, is the Millennials' constant need for growth. 

As an example, my sister had just left her previous job because she felt the she could not learn anything more if she stayed. She is now currently employed for a lower position in a newly opened company here in the Philippines, which is in a way different industry than her last job. Though she technically got demoted in the rankings, she feels that it is worthwhile because she is learning something new.

Being a member of the Millennial generation, I can vouch for this as I have experienced them myself.