More than 1 in 3 workers in America are millennials, which is anyone between the age of 18 and 34 as of 2015. Since the beginning of my career, I have had to overcome many stereotypical attributes associated with me because of my age/generation. I’d like to think that I’m not your typical millennial but after working on the top 10 positive attributes they bring, I’m completely okay with that label! I reached out to my social network (imagine that), tweeted, posted on LinkedIn and Facebook and asked my professional and personal network what they thought were positive attributes of millennials. Some I wouldn’t have thought because I feel like it comes naturally but maybe that is what makes us a benefit in some office environments.
- Networking – They know how to build and leverage their networks online, on the plane and at Thirsty Thursday happy hour!
- Communication – They know how to utilize multiple communication channels to keep their office in tune of their status and have a great understanding of appropriateness/professionalism.
- Confidence – whether it is in a meeting, at a reception, or turning in a project, millennials are confident in their abilities and themselves.
- Innovation/Resourceful – Millennials are very innovative, and using what they have in an effective way as well as utilizing their resources successfully…they didn’t teach us to not recreate the wheel for no reason in school!
- Tech-Savvy – Just like they are innovative they also are tech-savvy. Just got a new iPhone? A millennial can probably figure out how to use it within 5 minutes and show you a new trick. Can’t remember what formula to use for your excel spreadsheet? Call that millennial in your office and they can help!
- Entrepreneurial Thinkers – Their minds tend to lean towards being an entrepreneur. Using that to a business’s advantage is key, because if you don’t let them expand you might find yourself losing a quality employee who just started their own business!
- Enthusiastic/Positive – They are very excited and positive about work. They enjoy talking about their jobs and sharing with others about what they do. This can sometimes be confused with me-centric, but look at is as having a wonderful ambassador for your company culture and brand!
- Adaptable – Using a millennial over baby boomers to fill in while someone is on maternity leave or until you fill an opening is okay because they can adapt very well. Change is not going to make them less motivated, and it actually might make them recharged and more motivated!
- Social Media Opportunist – They see social media as an opportunity and will have great ideas on how to use it to capture a new market!
- Collaborative – They grew up working in groups (some good, many bad), so take advantage of their collaborative spirits and put them in teams to get assignments done. Makes sure you let them know the expectations and don’t be surprised if they take the lead away from someone else…it’s what they do so well!
Not sure how much you should pay your millennials over the baby boomers? Benchmark your positions with the only ag specific salary survey, Compensation Benchmark Review. Contact compensation@agcareers.com for more information and pricing options!
This article was first published in the AgCareers.com Talent Harvest Blog. You’ll find more insight by subscribing to our Blog!
Lauren Shotwell
January 12, 2016
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