The discussion about millennials seems to be always one sided. Among the most common stereotypes related to them include being impatient, hard to keep for long term as employees, and being shortsighted What about the other side of the debate? The average workplace presents certain challenges that are unique to millennials that cause them to be frustrated, desperate, and impatient.
Here’s our round up of the 5 most common challenges that millennials face today.
1. Use of Outdated Software
Technology comes to millennials as a second language. They’ve grown up around the evolution of software and apps. Nothing makes them cringe more than to deal with software that is over 10+ years old and lags every 10minutes or so – it’s a constant uphill battle for them. Not enough workplaces give value to the fact that most employees simply don’t have the patience to deal with old software.
2. Millennials Want Better Work Benefits
Millennials are more aware of their benefits than ever before. They demand more benefits from their employers and seek more than just financial compensation. In fact, a study from MassMutual found that a whopping g43 percent of interviewed millennials sought flexible schedules, 48 percent wanted vacation days, and 30 percent craved tuition reimbursement.
This last benefit makes sense in light of the crippling debt most students have to face fresh out of college. Most millennials want their employers to alleviate the burden of student loan from them through work. It’s a great way to earn their loyalty.
3. Millennials Aren’t Huge Fans of the Traditional work Week
Let’s get one thing straight: most millennials don’t like being told what to do. So you’re only adding insult to injury by taking away their free time from them. Millennials just don’t like the traditional 9 to 5 job, they believe it impinges on their free time. This is ironic given how desperately they search for new jobs, only to end up hating them later on.
Part of this response is largely owed to the rise of contracts and freelancers through platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork. This is also known as the gig economy. Most millennials want to leave their job citing a problem with the work life balance and would rather pursue their passion instead of traditional jobs.
They want to be their own bosses and are paid for individual tasks
4. Most Millennials Just Don’t Make Enough Money
Call it a lack of experience, a lack of opportunities, or something else – the bottom line is that most millennials just aren’t making enough money in the short run. This is why they turn to side jobs and freelancing gigs for the extra income. Younger millennials are more likely to have a side job than the previous generation, according to a new study from Bankrate.
5. Not Being Given Enough Freedom
Millennials like greater autonomy and don’t like being micromanaged. They seek independence in problem solving. In the case of Baby Boomers higher up the corporate ladder, the opposite seems to be the case: they refuse to relinquish control. This conflict of power may give rise to increasing frustration among millennials.
Want to offer relevant employee benefits to attract more workers to your business? Get in touch with our consultants to set up an appointment today!
