Six ways to motivate Millennials

The Millennial generation, born between the early 1980s and 2000, wants a good job in a good environment with good pay … but they also want to find meaning in what they do. But what exactly does “meaning” mean to them?

In their new book The M-factor: How The Millennial Generation Is Rocking The Workplace, authors Lynne Lancaster and David Stillman offer valuable insight and practical tips on understanding the fastest growing segment of workers today.  

According to the authors, Millennials define meaning very broadly. Once employers understand what makes this new workforce tick, they’ll be able to find many ways to help Millennials experience meaning in their work, which will help build employee engagement and loyalty.

Here are the six meaning motivators the authors identified to help explain exactly what Millennials want:

1. Millennials want to make a difference in the world.
2. Millennials want to feel they are contributing.
3. Millennials want to be innovators.
4. Millennials want to be heard.
5. Millennials want to know they’re succeeding.
6. Millennials want to express who they are through work.

An upside of the search for meaning is that while it may require some thought, it doesn’t cost a lot. Companies that can’t pay as much in salaries and benefits can still motivate employees by scoring high on the meaning index. Millennials talk, text and tweet incessantly about what they do in their jobs. Companies that find ways for Millennials to express their passions and do meaningful work will benefit from the positive buzz, along with increasing loyalty and reducing turnover.

Understanding what Millennials “mean” by their desire for meaning in their careers is the first step towards creating more motivating and rewarding environments for them.

10 predictions for the future of social learning from the 2020 Workplace

The last ten years has seen phenomenal change in technology and the learning function in such a short time. What can we expect to happen over the next 10 years? How will it affect the way we work and live? And what can companies do to prepare for the change ahead?

In their new book, "The 2020 Workplace, How Innovative Companies Attract, Develop, and Keep Tomorrow's Employees Today", corporate learning professionals Jeanne C. Meister and Karie Willyerd bravely predict the nature of the workplace of the future. Here is an excerpt from a recent article with some of what they have discovered.

1. Augmented reality learning emerges
2. Most learning incorporates use of a mobile device
3. Games and simulations are used for every content area
4. We will have a huge app-etite
5. Peer-to-peer learning blossoms
6. Expert and credibility ratings create trusted search networks
7. Search bots go on the prowl for you
8. Governments will become more involved in ensuring that its citizens have access to training and retraining
9. The learning function's focus shifts to accreditation, with less emphasis on the learning process itself
10. You will be rated publicly, much like a Yelp or Amazon rating for people

This article was based on the book, "The 2020 Workplace: How Innovative Companies Attract, Develop, and Keep Tomorrow's Employees Today."

HarperBusiness, 2010

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