Are Millennials Worth the Effort?
“Tips for Managing Millennials”, “The Recession Generation” and “What Happens When Millennials Run the Workplace?” — these are all headlines that emerge when searching the term millennials. Even though these headlines carry a negative tone, as this generation matures, it’s no secret that their impact as both consumers and employees is being strongly felt, particularly by traditional consumer goods organizations.
“When you page through any newspaper, trade magazine or business journal nowadays your eyes are often assaulted by the large number of melodramatic articles about the endless flaws of the ‘millennial’ generation. If you believe any of these accounts, you would think that the global economy as we know it is irredeemably doomed. It’s no secret that the press makes its money off of drama and focusing on the younger generation in the workplace seems to provide fertile territory for the modern scapegoat to graze,” says Wendy Merrill, chief rainmaker & founder for StrategyHorse Consulting Group.
One can’t argue against the fact that this is the first generation to grow up in the digital age, and their technology adoption rates make them a prime target for digital engagement. As they begin to enter the workforce, these same technology skills are highly sought-after, yet they may not fit existing business roles.
In a post titled, ‘The Myth of the Manic Millennial’, Merrill explains that, “The bad rap that many of our younger colleagues are getting is fed by the same old complaint that older generations have had about younger generations for … well, generations. I would argue that it is not the work ethic that separates the age groups in the workplace, but instead a disparity in collective expectations as well as communication styles.”
So, what should consumer goods companies do about it? Attend the 2016 Consumer Goods Business & Technology Leadership Conference, in Orlando, Fla., where Merrill will take the stage on Oct. 19, to unveil her findings from personally working with generations of all types. What she has found is that it’s time to “celebrate [millennials] and laud these folks for their efforts.” Register today and find out how to engage millennials as employees and consumers — in this fast-paced, digital world, it is imperative to address this generation in order to compete and survive.
“When you page through any newspaper, trade magazine or business journal nowadays your eyes are often assaulted by the large number of melodramatic articles about the endless flaws of the ‘millennial’ generation. If you believe any of these accounts, you would think that the global economy as we know it is irredeemably doomed. It’s no secret that the press makes its money off of drama and focusing on the younger generation in the workplace seems to provide fertile territory for the modern scapegoat to graze,” says Wendy Merrill, chief rainmaker & founder for StrategyHorse Consulting Group.
One can’t argue against the fact that this is the first generation to grow up in the digital age, and their technology adoption rates make them a prime target for digital engagement. As they begin to enter the workforce, these same technology skills are highly sought-after, yet they may not fit existing business roles.
In a post titled, ‘The Myth of the Manic Millennial’, Merrill explains that, “The bad rap that many of our younger colleagues are getting is fed by the same old complaint that older generations have had about younger generations for … well, generations. I would argue that it is not the work ethic that separates the age groups in the workplace, but instead a disparity in collective expectations as well as communication styles.”
So, what should consumer goods companies do about it? Attend the 2016 Consumer Goods Business & Technology Leadership Conference, in Orlando, Fla., where Merrill will take the stage on Oct. 19, to unveil her findings from personally working with generations of all types. What she has found is that it’s time to “celebrate [millennials] and laud these folks for their efforts.” Register today and find out how to engage millennials as employees and consumers — in this fast-paced, digital world, it is imperative to address this generation in order to compete and survive.