Millennials in the Workplace: A Qualitative Exploration of Managerial Perceptions in Multi-Generational Organizations

The growth and influence of Millennials in the workplace have generated questions from managers on how to best identify and harvest the skills, talents, expectations, and contributions of Millennials for the good of the multi-generational organization. This study investigated how the inclusive organization functions from the perspective of the managers of Millennial workers. By exploring the extent to which managers understand and respond to the wants and expectations of the growing millennial population in the workforce, the study advances the current state of knowledge about the role that Millennials are having on organizational culture and on the relationship between employee and manager. Participants were asked to reflect upon and share the strengths and challenges of having Millennials in the workplace, as well as what socialization tactics they used to engage Millennials and to help others in the workplace adapt to the Millennial’s style of work. The participants were identified as leading multigenerational work teams that include one or more identified Millennial employee. Managers were recruited through three Chambers of Commerce from around the United States. Each manager participated in a 30-minute, recorded, semi-structured phone interview. Transcripts were entered into NVivo for coding and analysis of patterns and trends. Key themes were identified in the study: the benefits and challenges of Millennials in the workplace; tactics for management and socialization; and the characteristics needed for effective management. These results, along with a compiled list of suggestions for effective leadership of this population within organizational structures, will be shared during an engaging discussion with the audience. We propose a presentation session, within a PowerPoint format, detailing the methodology and results of this study. Also, within this presentation, the author will present a compiled suggestion of best practices for classroom management and leadership support. The session would then be open for an opportunity to ask questions (time permitting)