HOW TO EFFECTIVELY
WITH THIS GENERATION
Mastering Millennials:
C O M M U N I C A T E
2 years ago, if you asked someone to describe
a Millennial,
you’d probably hear words like:
entitled.tech-obsessed. spoiled. lazy.
Ask them the samequestion today,
and you’ll start to hear words like:
LEADERS.INNOVATORS.MOTIVATED.
SELF-STARTERS.
we’re starting to uncover a unique value of characteristics we previously viewed in a negative light
THERE ARE 2 REASONS FOR THIS.
1. The evolution of Millennial characteristics as they’ve grown their once negative traits into strengths
2. The shift in our attitudes of how we view Millennials, looking at what they bring to the table through a different and more positive lens
We’re starting to see the effects of what a Millennial mindset brings to the workplace...
We’re starting to see the effects of what a Millennial mindset brings to the workplace...
what we’ll cover today:● Historical context for Millennials’ unique
communication style● Best methods & avenues for communicating● What this means for Millennial relocations
historical context for Millennials’ communication style
first off, it’s important to get one thing straight.
Millennials aren’t necessarily
communicators.BAD
They are
communicators.DIFFERENT
If we take a step back & uncover the ...we’ll find that there can be
in this communication style
“why”benefit
LET’S LOOK AT SOME OF THE DEFINING MOMENTS FOR
MILLENNIALS AS THEY WERE GROWING UP
Born between 1982-2004
Born between 1982-2004
Witnessed the gender shift for women
Born between 1982-2004
Witnessed the gender shift for women
Experienced 2007 economic collapse
Born between 1982-2004
Experienced 2007 economic collapse
Faced an uncertain future with a shaky job market
Witnessed the gender shift for women
As a result of living through these significant movements...
Millennials frequent communication and feedback
crave
Millennials frequent communication and feedback
crave
let’s look at how they were raised:
1965average time spent with kids
Fathers: 2.5 hrs/weekMothers: 10.2 hrs/ week
1965 2011average time spent with kids
Fathers: 2.5 hrs/weekMothers: 10.2 hrs/ week
average time spent with kids
Fathers: 7.3 hrs/weekMothers: 13.5 hrs/week
*Pew Social Trends
1965 2011average time spent with kids
Fathers: 2.5 hrs/weekMothers: 10.2 hrs/ week
average time spent with kids
Fathers: 7.3 hrs/weekMothers: 13.5 hrs/week
60% INCREASE
we can see a correlation between this and how Millennials communicate.
we can see a correlation between this and how Millennials communicate. they’re used to getting time with their mentors.
we can see a correlation between this and how Millennials communicate. they’re used to getting time with their mentors.having their ear.
we can see a correlation between this and how Millennials communicate. they’re used to getting time with their mentors.having their ear.USING THEM AS A SOUNDING BOARD.
we can see a correlation between this and how Millennials communicate. they’re used to getting time with their mentors.having their ear.USING THEM AS A SOUNDING BOARD.
THEY GREW UP HAVING A CONSTANT SENSE OF GUIDANCE.
The time in which Millennials
grew up & how they were raised is
SIGNIFICANT when looking
at their behaviors
“64% of employees said they want their supervisor to check in at least
every 2 weeks, but 42% of Millennials want feedback every week—more than
of any other generation.”
twice the percentage
*TINYpulse
“feedback”
but remember:the word
means different things to different generations
to boomers:
but to millennials:
“Feedback” might imply a more formal or extensive conversation, usually requiring prep work beforehand
It can be simple as a quick chat confirming that they’re on the right
track. Millennials are more than able to run with things on their own, but a quick and informal check-in will go a long way.
Let’s uncover the best path to
take when giving giving
that feedback.
Best methods for communicatingwith Millennials
STARTING WITH THE FACTS. HERE ARE SOME STATISTICS
ABOUT MILLENNIALS AND HOW THEY COMMUNICATE
Only 15% of employees say their company does a good job fostering communication
Only 15% of employees say their company does a good job fostering communication
38% of Baby-Boomers say Millennials are more honest but sometimes too brash or opinionated
Only 15% of employees say their company does a good job fostering communication
38% of Baby-Boomers say Millennials are more honest but sometimes too brash or opinionated
60% of employees say a web-based Q&A platform would ease communication across generations
Only 15% of employees say their company does a good job fostering communication
70% of employees would be more likely to share information through a web-based platform
38% of Baby-Boomers say Millennials are more honest but sometimes too brash or opinionated
60% of employees say a web-based Q&A platform would ease communication across generations
MILLENNIALS WANT COMMUNICATION,
AND THEY’LL TAKE IT HOWEVER
AND WHENEVER.
BEFORE, DURING, OR AFTER WORK
IT JUST COMES DOWN TO THREE
MAIN THINGS:
tone in virtual communication
value on a genuine personality
consuming & absorbing information
tone in virtual communication
If you put an email from a Millennial & a Boomer
...you can be pretty sure they’d be able to pair the generation with the email.
in front of a stranger
let’s try it out.
GENERATION A GENERATION BHey hannah!!
Hope you had good weekend...finally got some good weather! I had a quick question I wanted to run by you about a proposal I’m trying to finish up—can we chat at some point this week?
I’ll buy you a coffee for your help :)
Cheers!jessie
Hi Hannah,
I hope your week is off to a good start. I have 2 points of customer feedback I want to share with you.
Can we set aside 30 minutes to talk? I’ll send a calendar invite.
Looking forward to getting your insight.
Best,Jessie
GENERATION A GENERATION BHey hannah!!
Hope you had good weekend...finally got some good weather! I had a quick question I wanted to run by you about a proposal I’m trying to finish up—can we chat at some point this week?
I’ll buy you a coffee for your help :)
Cheers!jessie
Hi Hannah,
I hope your week is off to a good start. I have 2 points of customer feedback I want to share with you.
Can we set aside 30 minutes to talk? I’ll send a calendar invite.
Looking forward to getting your insight.
Best,Jessie
?
millennialHey hannah!!
Hope you had good weekend...finally got some good weather! I had a quick question I wanted to run by you about a proposal I’m trying to finish up—can we chat at some point this week?
I’ll buy you a coffee for your help :)
Cheers!jessie
Hi Hannah,
I hope your week is off to a good start. I have 2 points of customer feedback I want to share with you.
Can we set aside 30 minutes to talk? I’ll send a calendar invite.
Looking forward to getting your insight.
Best,Jessie
baby-boomer
THE GIVEAWAYS
the Millennial email just sounds more in-line with how we actually talk…...it’s a little more friendly, and it has the classic Millennial plug for a quick conversation but not setting a time…...Millennials want it to feel informal and easy…..On the other hand, the email written by the Baby Boomer is just a little more direct and professional. It’s all about how you read the tone of the email in your head….. and one group might read it as simply being to-the-point where as another group - our Millennials - might read it as stern and a little more buttoned-up.
Millennial email is more in line with how we actually talk
Baby-boomers prefer to have a set time identified and reserved
Boomer tonality is more direct and professional
THE GIVEAWAYSMillennial email is more in line with how we actually talk
Baby-boomers prefer to have a set time identified and reserved
Boomer tonality is more direct and professional
The tone that each generation reads & writes in can lead to different interpretations
value on a genuine personality
WE PUT THIS ONE TO THE TEST AT URBANBOUND.
LAST YEAR, OUR RELOCATION CONSULTANTS TOOK A NEW
APPROACH WITH A RELOCATING INTERN GROUP, SENDING A DIFFERENT, MORE
PLAYFUL WELCOME EMAIL.
Hi from Alex and Lauren!
We wanted to quickly check-in before you begin your short term housing search, as well as clear something up:
Despite what you may think, us relocation consultants are in fact not robots.
We get it though, you need proof. So, we wrote up some fun facts to help you get to know us a little better, and we look forward to getting to know you better when we connect on the phone this month. (Left: Lauren; Right: Alex)
Here are some fun facts...
THIS APPROACH HUMANIZED THE RELATIONSHIP, GIVING
THE INTERNS .context
AND IT WAS AN EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL APPROACH TO
HELPING THIS SPECIFIC GROUP OF EMPLOYEES.
consuming & absorbing information
Try to send short bursts of thoughts or ideas as they come to you. Millennials will read it, understand it, and retain it much better in comparison to a long-winded email.
If you need to get something across that isn’t as easy to convey in a quick message, let Millennials know at the beginning of the email that it’s
imperative for them to read the message.
e n t i r e
If you need to get something across that isn’t as easy to convey in a quick message, let Millennials know at the beginning of the email that it’s
imperative for them to read the message.
If something has a little more importance or density to it,
to ensure everything makes its way through.
e n t i r e
set an in-person meeting
If you need to get something across that isn’t as easy to convey in a quick message, let Millennials know at the beginning of the email that it’s
imperative for them to read the message.
If something has a little more importance or density to it,
to ensure everything makes its way through.
e n t i r e
set an in-person meeting
it’s all about setting expectations ahead of time.
what this means for Millennial relocations
MILLENNIALS HAVE A
LIVING IN A variety of information
variety of places
WORK EMAIL, PERSONAL EMAIL, TEXT MESSAGES, INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, SNAPCHAT, G-CHAT, SLACK, PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS, VOICEMAIL,
Think:
WORK EMAIL, PERSONAL EMAIL, TEXT MESSAGES, INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, SNAPCHAT, G-CHAT, SLACK, PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS, VOICEMAIL,
Think:
and the list goes on...
NOW THINK ABOUT THE
YOU NEED TO KEEP TRACK OF variety of information
during a relocation
SUPPLIERS FOR TRAVEL, CAR RENTAL, HOUSEHOLD GOODS SHIPMENT, AUTO SHIPMENT, NEW HOUSING,COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A HIRING MANAGER, MOBILITY CONTACT, A THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE...
Think:
SUPPLIERS FOR TRAVEL, CAR RENTAL, HOUSEHOLD GOODS SHIPMENT, AUTO SHIPMENT, NEW HOUSING,COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A HIRING MANAGER, MOBILITY CONTACT, A THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE...
Think:
again, the list goes on...
That said, it’s important for you to help Millennials categorize & organize their tasks, bucketing different sets of information in their mind ahead of time
THINK ABOUT HOW YOU HANDLE YOUR FINANCES
THINK ABOUT HOW YOU HANDLE YOUR FINANCES
login to an online banking portalidentify what you need to accomplishprepare your mind for the set of taskssee and address what needs to be done
TRY TO GIVE RELOCATION THAT SAME ATTENTION AND
SEGMENTATION
YOU CAN DO THIS BY:GIVING EMPLOYEES AN ONLINE,
CENTRALIZED HUB TO STORE ALL RELOCATION-RELATED TASKS,
ITEMS, POINTS-OF-CONTACT, AND DOCUMENTS TO REFERENCE THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS
AND BE VOCAL ABOUT THAT SOLUTION!
“44% of employees said that they either didn’t know or their
employer didn’t offer
concerning their mobility benefits program.”
online access to information
*Global Mobility Trends
All in all: communicating with Millennials doesn’t have to be as complex as we make it out to be. if you strive to
understand where their habits stem from, working with them — instead of against them —
you’ll see significant improvement in their work.
Remember to segment information whenever possible, and provide centralized places to go
with information stored in one place.
Millennials are the future of our workforce.with the right tools and guidance,
they’ll be excited for the opportunity to learn and grow in their careers with you!