Get More IT Done With Millennials

“What millennials are most famous for besides narcissism is its effect: entitlement ... though they’re cocky about their place in the world, millennials are also stunted.” Joel Stein, Time

Ouch. As a millennial, this statement strikes a painful chord deep in my narcissistic and lazy core. I deserve better than this. It’s my right to be treated like any other adult! I would take the time to post my discontent on each social media platform I’m on — but I don’t want to play into the millennial stereotypes. Instead, I’m going to draw your attention to some of the many benefits that come with hiring a millennial employee.

The above quote is from a time magazine article published in 2013 titled “Millennials: The Me Me Me Generation.” Within it, Stein uses survey data to prove that millennials are in fact “lazy entitled narcissists who still live with their parents.” About halfway through the article however, Stein changes his tone and discusses the reasons why, regardless of their flaws, millennials will save the world.

In the IT world, millennials are proving their worth by being the workplace’s most tech-savvy employees, with a keen ability to multitask. This generation has grown up with incredible advancements in technology; it’s second nature to them. Millennials don’t resent authority, they are relaxed team players with great confidence. If you want to be innovative and connected, hire millennials.

A recent article posted at CompTIA’s newsroom blog discusses ways IT companies can attract and retain millennials generally, and millennial women in particular. Here are some general guidelines that can be taken from the article:

• Millennials want Competitive Compensation and Recognition — While pay is very important to them, millennials need to know that what they are doing is significant. Recognize their accomplishments publicly. Feed the narcissist within them.
• Millennials want Flexibility and Work-Life Balance — Communicate that your company values work-life balance. They have the “Work Hard, Play Hard” mentality, and will seek a job that is flexible. The 9-5 workday in the office is less appealing than a job that allows one to work from home.
• Millennials love Collaboration — Building friendships with colleagues is extremely important. Break down the barriers of private offices and open up the work space and meeting rooms. It’s about the team.
• Millennials value Transparency and Career Advancement — Transparency is a necessity in the information age, and millennials want that with their managers. Be open and honest about career advancement because, contrary to popular belief, they don’t want their growth stunted.

Sure millennials aren’t perfect, but they are the future. Any company with IT needs would be greatly benefited by reaching out to this generation. I may be biased, but I think millennials are awesome.

About the Author — Jake Slater is the social media manager for GoCertify and a graduate of Brigham Young University. Jake is a baller and a team player, although he occasionally does stop to admire his reflection in the mirror.