The HRP told me the millennials were self-centered, wanted to start at the top, and had little clue about how to conduct themselves at work. They wanted to use their cell phones and iPods without restriction at work so they could stay in touch with their friends throughout the day. They thought nothing of taking a day off for "personal reasons" (such as going to a concert) without permission or even the courtesy of "calling out." They challenged work assignments, their dress was sometimes quite unusual, and basically they wanted to do what they wanted when they wanted.
Then the HRP told me about "Helicopter Parents," parents who continue to hover over their children even as the "child" is out of school and employed as an adult in the workplace. Parents who come in and ask for applications for their "child." Parents who fill out "applications for their "child." Parents who call to ask why their "child" wasn't hired. The most incredible part was when the HRP told me about the parent who wanted to have a meeting to talk about "why their child had received a disciplinary action from the company."
Soon thereafter I mentioned this during a program at another company. Turns out they were having similar experiences as well. I mentioned it again during an open enrollment program and also got an earful. One bank branch manager said "You wouldn't believe how some of them dress coming into work as a teller. Sometimes I have to send them home because their dress is totally inappropriate."
During these conversations, I was struck by how many people would tell me "that's how they all are." Even when I challenged "they can't all be that way," most people pushed back with "Yes, they are."
While I still find it difficult to believe that "all" millennials take a non-traditional approach to the workplace, I also believe that its time for me to investigate further. I'll share some thoughts with you as I go along. But I also welcome your thoughts as well. If you have any experience with millennials that you'd like to share, please post a comment.
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Copyright © 2009 Daniel W. Pelley
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1 comment:
I would disagree 100% with the statement that "all" millennials are that way. I do now and have in the past worked with people much younger than myself. This has been in fast food, customer service and also at my current employer. Rather than treating people the same, try individualizing the direction or instruction. We would definitely be doing these young people a disservice to group them all in the same category. Although I would agree that there are many traits that can be found in many young people, rather than judging them and discriminating against them, embrace their young minds and help mold them into independent employees who value their job, themselves and seek to work with pride.
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