Millennials and technology in the workplace

Driving the Change

It’s that time of year and graduation is quickly approaching for many college seniors, which means its recruitment season for a lot of employers who are trying to recruit soon to be college graduates.  So, what does that mean for employers?  If you haven’t noticed, millennials are entering the workforce at a rapid pace and filling the jobs once held by baby boomers. According to an article by Forbes, millennials will make up 46% of the workforce by 2020. And soon, businesses will be working with Generation Z, those born after 1997, who have been raised in a technology-driven world.

Attracting and retaining talent is only the beginning of establishing a positive experience. So, we sat down and interviewed our very own intern, Eric Mann, a senior at Lindenwood University about what millennials are looking for in the workplace.

Q: As a millennial currently in college, finishing up your last semester, entering the job market, what skills can you bring to the table when you are lacking real life work experience?

A: I believe some of my most important skills are adapting to my environment. Technology is changing at an exponential rate. I grew up in a generation that survived off landlines and dial-up internet. Now the internet is so much faster and used in everything in my daily life. There is not a day that goes by that I do not use some form of social media. I believe the years of experience that I have on how the platforms work is very important as well. My experience with the platforms has been more hands on than other generations because we were the early adapters to social media.

Q: Studies have found that organizations must have up-to-date technology to retain millennials. During your time at Aspire Software, how does technology and millennial thinking affect your work?

A: Technology has been an integral part of my work. Without technology and access to the internet, my job would be nearly impossible. I believe this is how many other millennials view technology too. It’s a tool that must be utilized to perform at our best. Anyone who isn’t using the most up to date technology is falling behind the rest. It is not just a millennial way of thinking either. As technology keeps advancing, it’s important for everyone to be up-to-date.

Q: What type of company would you advise millennials right out of college to seek out initially and how does technology play a role?

A: For anyone right out of college, I would recommend that they find a company that is willing to teach them. School is great for teaching the basics, but the most in-depth learning happens on the job. The best places to work are the ones that are willing to help you grow your skills. The more they help you, the more that you can help them; the relationship is mutually beneficial.

Q: Statistics show that millennials expect to leave their current employers in the next two years. What’s your advice to employers to retain top talent and keep their employees engaged? What would you advise a millennial to consider about before seeking a new opportunity?

A: If you want to retain a millennial, make them feel like they matter. If someone is a top performer, treat them like the top performer. If the worst employee gets treated the same way as the best employee, then they do not have any motivation to work harder. Millennials want to be recognized for their hard work and accomplishments.

I would recommend that a millennial pay attention to the company culture that is around them before leaving. If it is a positive work environment, that promotes learning and recognition, then stay. If you are not appreciated for the work that you contribute, then maybe it is time to reconsider.

Q: How do you think millennials in the workplace can influence older employees?

A: I think that a millennial in the workplace can give older employees a new perspective/way of thinking. People tend to get stuck in their ways and continue the same old mundane routine. Millennials can really shake things up when it comes to the use of social media. Some companies tend to shy away from it because they do not understand it or do not want to have to deal with it. However, they are missing some key advantages of it. Consumers get to learn about you and your company. Social media can establish a connection with the target market and make them your customers. It can be free advertising, so why would you pass that up?

Aspire Supports Millennials with Technology

The Aspire Software Company has made an investment in the Brigham Young University (BYU) landscape management program as well as others by donating our proprietary software and expertise to the faculty to use as a teaching tool in the business management curriculum. The results, judged by student and faculty feedback, are exceptional.

The faculty loves the teaching tool and the students love the technology. It looks and feels modern to them. They are naturals with mobile devices and learn it easily.

[Read More: Aspire’s Millennials and Technology]

If you found this blog interesting, you may also like Dinosaurs and Technology. In this blog Kevin Kehoe discusses the how "dinosaurs" adapting to technology can better serve clients.

In Conclusion

Millennials want to work for companies with technology that makes coming to work fun. They care about being challenged and making a difference. Constructive feedback, work-life balance and to be rewarded for their efforts are all ways to retain millennial employees. At Aspire, we are creating careers that are attracting top talent from across the United States. You can check out our current job openings here!