By Justin Dobbie, Recruiter
Millennials are the new generation entering the technology workforce, so chances are that you are going to join forces with them at some point; however, working with millennials in IT is not simply about interacting with a younger crowd of employees. It is about understanding their mentality and business perspective. Apart from their robust technology skills, millennials have solid aspirations for their technology career and a plan for how to achieve them. With that said, you need to revisit the way you interface with them in order to lay the foundation for a successful partnership.
Don’t Ignore Them
Millennials are the generation that grew up being exposed to change and innovation. Staying behind was never an option. They are used to exchanging ideas and information, and growing up in an environment that values their feedback and input. Studies show that they have the same expectation when it comes to their technology career. They don’t just care about putting their technology skills to work; they also want their opinion to be heard and their suggestions to be taken into account. When working with millennials in IT, take advantage of the new perspective they bring to your company.
Encourage Career Growth
Millennials do not just come in for the paycheck. Similarly, working with millennials in IT is not simply about getting the right technology skills for the position you offer. They have a plan for their technology career and they want to make sure that their plan is going to take shape in the organization they work for. If they feel that they are limited and there is no opportunity for them to grow, the chances are high that they are going to leave for a better opportunity. Show them the path to their success through your company and they will stick around for the long haul.
Reward Performance
Because of their familiarity with technology, millennials are generally confident about their technology skills. This sometimes results in taking their proficiency and sufficiency for granted. It is important that when working with millennials in IT, you have in place strategies to acknowledge their progress and reward their performance. That allows you to communicate effectively with millennials and demonstrate that their technology career advancement is something you monitor and appreciate. Show that you care about productivity by giving credit to those who deserve it.
Promote Collaboration
As we said above, millennials are not just interested in practicing their technology skills. They care about their technology career and they are looking to work in an environment that allows them to build it. Help them see their future within your organization by creating a company culture that promotes collaboration and an exchange of ideas. Refrain from the old school method of giving marching orders, as this is not the way to do it when working with millennials in IT. Welcome their perspective and provide constructive feedback that helps them to improve.
Keep them Challenged
If they are bored, they are gone! It’s that simple with millennials. It is essential to create an environment where they feel like they are able to make a difference. From the technology you provide at the workplace, to the projects you assign to them, you need to challenge their technology skills to keep them engaged. Millennials are not used to letting go easily, so dare them to take more responsibility that adds to their technology career. Remember to keep an eye on their progress and offer assistance if needed, but avoid standing over their shoulder and telling them what to do.
Key Takeaways to Working with Millennials in Technology:
1. Be open to the opinions and suggestions of millennials
2. Show millennials how their technology career can grow at your organization
3. Give credit and reward performance
4. Establish a company culture that promotes collaboration and avoids dictation
5. Create an environment that challenges millennials
About Market Street Talent, Inc.
We are a specialized staffing and consulting firm focused on staffing solutions for Information Technology positions. From our offices on the Seacoast of New Hampshire, we service companies across a wide range of industries from Greater Boston to Greater Portland and beyond. We are heavily invested in the IT vertical—and that’s what our clients and candidates love about us. We understand the nuances of IT placement—the platforms, positions, background and the intricacies of specific jobs. We know what it takes to find highly skilled technology specialists that fit seamlessly into a company’s culture.
