While on a flight aboard Delta Airlines last week I was reading an article in the Sky Magazine.  There was a particular article titled, “The M Factor” and was focused on how to manage the Millennial Generation in the workplace.  The Millennial generation is comprised of those born between 1980 and 2000.  They have been entering the workplace over the 10 years.  The article talked specifically about how Millennials are looking for a good job, good pay, and are interested in finding meaning in what they do.  This struck me as strange because it sounds EXACTLY like what everyone I know wants from the workplace.  Could it be that the Millennial generation is just the first to voice their wants and needs?  Is it really that much different then from what the rest of us want?  After looking at the list I would say that some are and some aren’t.

Either way, the article highlighted a few things that employers could do to engage Millennial employees.  When I read the list it occurred to me that a few of the wants and needs aren’t just good for one generation, but working on a few of these items would probably serve businesses well in getting the rest of the workforce engaged and productive at work as well.

1. They want to make a difference in the world
2. They want to feel like they are contributing
3. They are excited by change
4. They want to be heard
5. They want to be recognized and told they are succeeding
6. They want the workplace to be an expression of themselves