Millennials: Intergenerational Issues In The Workplace

Millennials are a part of demographic cohort causing changes in the workplace. Individuals born between 1980 and 2000 are considered Millennials .They are currently the largest generations that will be joining the workforce as Baby Boomer are starting to retire. In a few short years, Millennials will soon make up about 70% of the workforce, however their generation has stirred up some controversy as they start their careers and enter the workforce.

In recent times, there have been issues arising in organizations with multigenerational workforces due to the differences of each generation. Unfortunately, generations like the Baby Boomers and Generations X do not understand Millennials and feel that they do not have the same motivations, work

Intergenerational issues in the workplace can cause tension between the employees and employer. Millennials feel that it is harder to grow and develop their careers in organizations because of this problem due to an absence of guidance from other generations in higher positions. Where Millennials feel lack of guidance, Baby Boomers and Generation X feel that Millennials entering the workforce are directly after their positions, therefore causing a strain on workplace relationships between employees.

If intergenerational problems in the workplace continue to remain unsolved, it can and will cause disruption within the organization. Productivity can decline due to low cooperation between multigenerational employees resulting in lower efficiency and completion objectives leading to disruption within the organization. This eventually hinder the success of organizational and employee goals and objectives. It is important that all generations work together in harmony to complete business

Implementing training programs where all generations can learn about each other’s differences can help employees understand how and why each generation works. Workshops in which multigenerational workforces can share work experience and mentor each other can assist in creating a sense of community and a supportive environment where employees can be open and share their ideas an collaborate with each other in order to better their organization. Millennials are perceived as being disloyal and quick to search for new employment when they unhappy in their work environments, but due to starting their careers during times of recession, Millennials try to maintain their roles in the workplace to remain financially stable. The main reason for turnover among Millennials is a result of exclusion, slow growth within the workplace, and limited development opportunities. Finding gratification and meaning to their work is important to Millennials so that they can excel and be productive in the workplace that is supportive of their work. To decrease turnover it is important that organizations provide employees with feedback, mentoring from senior employees and clarify guidelines and expectations of management. Providing Millennial with face-to-face performance reviews as opposed to formal reports