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Understanding and Embracing the Millennial Mindset at Work

Understanding how today’s first-time jobbers function, is crucial for future business success. Jessica Oosthuizen gives us insight into how Generation Y thinks, how to engage them at work and how to tap into their capacity to deliver.

by Jessica Oosthuizen

Jessica Oosthuizen, HDI Youth Marketeers

“Hi there. Just let me graze the camera with my dirstubing beauty & my to kill for smile… & not forgeting my in your face attitude & confindence that many just dream of having… now don't waste any time & get back to me already!” wrote a hopeful candidate in an email with her 5-page CV attached.

There is a measure of disbelief when you realise this is not junk mail but a legitimate job application; confidence and spelling errors abound. Whilst it’s not your typical employment pitch, it represents how Millennials do it: a no hold’s back “I deserve to work for you” approach.

Not surprising, this new breed of employee (and all the ‘baggage’ associated with them) is the cause of much concern and angst amongst employers. However, understanding how these first-jobbers operate and function in the workplace is instrumental in future business developments. As one writer said: “The age of Millennials is upon us”.

According to Liesl Loubser, CEO of HDI Youth Marketers Companies, it is understandable that a lot of companies are resentful towards these new entry-level employees who arrive with inflated expectations and a large-and-in-charge attitude. “Employers are notably change-averse and reluctant to let go of the systems that they’ve relied on up until now. But resistance to change will definitely have a damaging impact on your business’s capacity to grow and expand. Companies need to be proactive and adapt to take on millennial employees so that they keep up with the demands of the next generation,” says Liesl.

So, how can companies make a move in the right direction? » »

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