Communicating to Millennials

Millennials, ​people born between the early 1980s and 1990s​, are a group often characterized as
both ​lazy and narcissistic, and open-minded and passionate​. This unique generation currently
makes up roughly “​a quarter of the U.S. population, 30 percent of the voting age population, and
almost two-fifths of the working age population​.” Millennials are a crucial sector of the
population, they are currently in the workforce and shaping the future of the country.

Although this generation can have a poor reputation, particularly from older generations, ​they are
projected to overtake the Baby Boomers, America’s biggest generation​. With population growth
in the Millennials’ future, they are an important group to understand and communicate
effectively with. However, they are inherently complex and unlike any previous generation, and
thus pose an interesting challenge for communications.

Flexibility is Crucial
Millennials are busy and ambitious, they ​seek content that can be consumed quickly​ and fits their
lifestyle. According to a ​survey created by The Predictive Index​, fifty percent of millennials said
that flexibility was very important to them. With this desire for flexibility, communications with
millennials are less formal and instead more friendly and familiar (​Forbes​). Millennials want to
be involved in decisions and can contribute to conversations, they just do so in a more
unconventional manner.

Although many millennials are perceived as narcissistic, according to ​studies from the University
of Florida,​ 72% of them are open to change and 60% are more adaptable than previous
generations. So, if communications and content are flexible and individuals work with
millennials, this flexibility will pay off and lead to productivity and change.

Technology, Technology, Technology

Because millennials are overwhelmingly technology savvy, using technology in communications
is imperative with this generation. ​According to Jeff Corbin​, CEO, and founder of APPrise
Mobile, “there is definitely a shift taking place from ‘old school’ and legacy communications
solutions like email and corporate intranets to newer, more mobile-friendly tools.” He believes
that it is important to ​listen to employees​ about what their technology needs are so companies
can increase productivity and engagement.

Millennials grew up using technology, so it is their expectation that technology will be used as a
primary means of communication, both in personal and professional instances, as it fits their
lifestyle. ​According to the University of Florida​, 89% of millennials check their work email after
hours and on the weekend. This generation is accessible, they are dedicated to working and are
motivated to become future leaders. For the future of both companies and society as a whole, it is
important to listen to millennials’ needs and use technology effectively to promote strong
communications.

Understanding Diversity
Millennials are a uniquely diverse generation that offers a wide range of perspectives. The group
is ​55.8 percent white and almost 30 percent minorities​. According to a ​study from Deloitte and
the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative​, millennials view diversity as a blending of ideas and
experiences which is better known as cognitive diversity. Because the generation is significantly
more diverse, they overwhelming view diversity as crucial for innovation, and in turn ​71% of
them are likely to focus on teamwork​.

Millennials are a generation that ​values hearing different values, ideas, and perspectives​ and thus
want to see inclusion and collaboration in communications. When communicating with this
generation, it is important to highlight diversity and discuss different viewpoints. Now more than
ever, the millennial perspective is crucial. Society is shifting and becoming more and more
diverse, and in turn, it is important to listen to the millennials and use effective communication to
foster a diverse and open society.

Conclusion
Millennials are a tech-savvy and diverse group of individuals that communicators can gain
important insight and perspectives from. The media often highlights the weaknesses of this
generation, however, if communicators can embrace their need for flexibility, they will see their
impressive dedication and drive. As advocates for change, this generation is open to new ideas
and is ready to collaborate to better society and business alike.