Once you have graduated from College or University, you’re not the only one who is at a crossroads in their life. Transitioning from a student to a working member of society is no straightforward task. For some students, this might even be the first time that they’ve ventured out into the working world, so it’s no doubt intimidating. While there are students who have occupied part-time jobs or internships in the past, those do not offer the same experience as holding a permanent career. As such, it’s completely normal and justifiable if you want to research a little more on the working landscape before embarking on your professional career path.
For employers seeking to engage young professionals, it’s crucial to note the outlook of millennials these days. Gone were the times when a job was simply held in order to earn a living. Young professionals not only are bringing in a whole new set of skills, talents, work ethics and mindsets into the workplace, but also expectations and objectives. This article is thus written as a guide for both freshly-graduated students and employers alike to better comprehend the constantly changing working environment in this modern world.
1. Flexibility
While some employers may not be overly-enthusiastic over the prospect of offering leave, whether it be paid or unpaid, it’s vital that employers understand and respect the respective schedules of their employees. The importance of achieving a healthy work-life balance has been repeatedly emphasized, so employers should never disregard the fact that employees have their own responsibilities outside of work.
Allowing a flexible working arrangement would enable employees to not only be more mentally and psychologically content, but also motivated and inspired to accomplish their tasks. Employees would also feel more valued by the company, thus pushing them to persistently improve themselves and to set more ambitious goals. As you can see, flexibility in the workplace is a win-win for both parties.
2. Transparency
It’s no secret that millennials are an opinionated bunch, and they’re not afraid to speak their minds when necessary. Cultivate such behaviors by implementing an open-minded workplace culture, where employees are welcomed and encouraged to express their thoughts and ideas, and to contribute to the company in a more personal manner. Once again, these ensure that employees have a sense of belonging in the workplace, which would boost their self-confidence along the way.
Transparency in the workplace could also open doors for employees to explore better opportunities in the professional world. Be it in the form of exposing them to networking, mentorships or coaching, provide a platform where employees could upgrade their skills and directly learn from the industry experts. These are so that employees have the proper support to not only stay well-qualified and employable, but also to advance their career prospects.
3. Sense Of Purpose
As what I’ve mentioned above, a job is no longer considered just a job to many millennials. The notion of simply sitting in the office and facing the computer screens 8 to 9 hours a day is, truthfully, dreary and unstimulating. Millennials are not looking to be a slave to their jobs, drawing a basic income in order to pay the bills, but instead to challenge. Jobs that push them beyond their limits, and enable them to think outside the box and advance themselves are incredibly appealing to young professionals.
If the job could make a difference in this world, regardless directly or indirectly, it’s all the more better. Fulfillment and self-satisfaction are two powerful feelings that could greatly influence people to be more determined, and one way to attain that is through making a positive impact on the lives of many individuals. Employees no longer desire to be defined by the workplace, but by their duties. Starting a new day at work should feel like an adventure, not a routine.
4. More Than Just Colleagues
Let’s face it. When you’re friends with your co-workers, work becomes a whole lot more bearable and rewarding. You’ll be alongside them majority of the time, so they’re essentially second family. Cultivate an inclusive and friendly workplace environment by providing opportunities for employees to interact and bond together. It’s all the more better if they could converse on topics outside of office life. Have lunch together or head out for some after-work drinking, it’s not complicated to form closer relationships with your colleagues.
However, do not neglect on the fact that the relationship is still based in the workplace, thus professionalism should not be thrown out of the window. While it’s certainly nice to gossip and chat every once in a while, work should always be the priority. It’s also vital to be conscious of the office hierarchy. Respect goes a long way!
5. Security And Stability
Who desires to work in an environment that does not offer reliability? This does not only concern about paychecks, but also the employees’ benefits and rights and a proven track record of success for the company. For the latter, while there’s no such thing as smooth sailing all the way, especially at a time of turbulent economic conditions, the company should produce profitable results on a consistent basis, as that’s a strong sign of job security. Unless one possesses an inclination to change jobs in the foreseeable future, most likely they will be embarking on a long-term career path. As such, employees should feel confident and assured that they will be employed regardless of business’ performance.
A stable environment would also guarantee that employees are given the opportunity to succeed based on their own terms, and have proper access to resources in order to grow and improve themselves.
6. Passion
We always stress on the importance of discovering and embracing your passion, and for good reasons. Possessing a passion for something allows one to know more themselves and to direct their attention into harnessing that particular interest into a marketable skill. It’s a well-known fact that when one is doing something they love, they’re not only lot more gratified, but also more productive to complete the tasks at hand.
Pursue a job position that provides a platform for employees to turn their passion into a profession. Doing so would also allow them to acquire a sense of meaning and direction in their lives, and to take control of their perspective future. No one would be relished waking up for work feeling trapped and miserable, and not having inquisitiveness to set personal goals.
7. Recognition
People thrive on praises, and millennials are not excluded. When someone is properly acknowledged and rewarded based on their well-deserved hard work, it provides a sense of encouragement for them to achieve similar or better results in the future. However, it’s crucial to note the complications of over-praising, which may result in some employees to feel conceited and express self-assertive behaviors over their co-workers. This could potentially lead to a toxic workplace environment.
In addition, beware of the rise of jealousy and envy among colleagues. Some employees may feel push over or disregarded if they’re not handled a significant reward, and that may enable them to develop an antagonistic approach to their co-workers. As underachievers and troublemakers exist in every company, simply face the situation with a mature mentality and progress at your own terms.