It's a good time to be a Millennial. The need for businesses to keep up with emerging technology makes young people exceedingly valuable in the workplace. Intriguingly though, while the pace of those advances in technology increases, so too does the average age of retirement. The coincidence of these trends has produced a generational rift that's wider and more difficult to manage than ever before. So how can management teams successfully bridge that gap without alienating anyone?
Start by taking a look forward. Your youngest employees are by no means your most important ones__nor should they be__but they do represent the future of your company. Let's learn from and speak to those qualities that are quintessentially Millennial.
Organizations will need to adapt to this new wave of tech-savvy, socially conscious individuals in a way that works for and relates to everyone in your workforce. And what better setting to incorporate new methods of collaboration and communication than on a corporate retreat or off-site meeting__an event outside of the office and on the company dime__where you can test the waters and include your team in the discussion?
Here are five simple suggestions for making your meetings engaging and enjoyable for Millennials... and, as it happens, for everybody else:
1. Take the tech route.
Just because it's obvious doesn't mean it should be overlooked; you've heard time and time again how well Millennials respond to social media and technology. So incorporate it where you can. In the spirit of transparency (another Millennial must-have), share the schedule with your team via social media.
Then consider the meetings themselves. Worried your employees will be on their phones the whole time anyway? Start there. A quick Google search on the topic yields a wealth of mobile applications designed specifically for meeting planners: some to incite thoughtful participation from your employees, and others to connect you with venue staff to make sure you have what you need when you need it.
2. Pick a hot spot.
Millennials are known for being adamant about a work‐life balance, so plan your event in a destination where your team can achieve that. Whether it's a trip to an urban metropolis or a tranquil island retreat, get your team excited to attend and give them some time to enjoy the space.
3. Make it productive.
That desire for a work‐life balance makes millennials extra sensitive to anything they consider a waste of time. So put them to work! As long as you've given your team sufficient time to play, set aside some time to be productive__to accomplish something. They'll return refreshed and ready to contribute; and chances are you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much a simple change of scenery can do to get those creative juices flowing.
4. Teach them something.
Co‐founder and CEO of Google, Larry Page, once said, "Deep knowledge from your manager goes a long way toward motivating you." Perhaps that piece of advice is most useful in the presence of Millennials. In the same way they actively seek out life-changing experiences, Millennials also crave a steep learning curve. Whether it's work‐related or something entirely different, earn your team's respect and appreciation by teaching them something new.
5. Involve your team.
Last but not least, Millennials want to feel valued__like they're an integral part of the team. And who doesn't? As you test some of these communication strategies out of the office, discuss them with your team. Ask them how it's working, what they like and what they'd change. Listen and consider their responses, and take your best received, most successful strategies back to work with you.
When the time comes to book your organization's next event, find a place that can perfectly produce the meeting you have in mind. A place with the culture, culinary and wellness facilities and services that cater to both work and play. A place that's just as tech-savvy and eager-to-please as your Millennial employees.
A place like JW Marriott Resorts.
To learn about their nine locations and venues, mobile meeting application, event service excellence, and more, simply visit www.jwresorts.com.