This video is from a CNBC interview with Kathryn Minshew, co-founder and CEO of a company called The Muse. Her company’s mission is to help people figure out what they want to do and life, and give them the tools and strategies to get there. In this video, she discusses how Millennials are changing the workplace. Here are four ways Millennials are making their mark on the corporate world.
More Executives and Entrepreneurs are Women
There are more women executives and entrepreneurs than ever before, and Minshew is a perfect example of how the female take on business philosophy is breathing a fresh of breath air into the business world.
At the Muse, Minshew devises a work schedule that is customized to each employee. She mentions how she lets one of her particularly introverted employees work from home one day a week, which she does because she understands the value of having compassion for her employees.
A More Collaborative Office Design
Millennials dread the idea of working in a cookie-cutter version of a corporate office. Progressive companies are ditching the cubicle and corner office structure for the open-office model.
The open office puts employees and management in the same atmosphere, rather than separating executives from their team. One of the points Minshew stresses is the importance of a CEO seeing his or her employees as people, and the open-office model helps employees feel more comfortable talking to the company’s executives.
Work-Life Balance
One of the effects Smartphones have had on the workplace is constant connectivity. Before we had smartphones, it was easy to mentally leave work at the office and enjoy our leisure time. Now we are constantly checking our e-mail, skyping, and using other mediums to interact with our co-workers and bosses.
Minshew states how vital it is for a company to realize they now demand more of their employees, and for that they should be compensated with more perks. It will be tough for a company that doesn’t have attractive paid time off, maternity leave, and health insurance, as Millennials have shown they consider work-life balance an important factor when job searching.
Socially Conscious Capitalism
Millennials value making money as much as previous generations, but they have a bigger urge to give back to their communities. This can either come in the form of volunteering or donating a portion of their paychecks to a worthy cause.
As Minshew points out, Millennials are seeking employment at companies that foster a culture of giving back. When executives give back to their employees in the form of bonuses or perks like free food and gym memberships, they build a team of people who are proud to identify with the place they work. This allows these companies to implement community fundraising activities and generate a high rate of participation amongst employees. No matter your generation, helping people feels good, and more Millennials are searching for companies who share the same philosophy.
These four trends are just a taste of the impact the Millennial workforce is having on corporate America. As more Millennials move into executive roles, this exciting revolution is only set to continue.
What’s one thing you really love about where you work? What are some things you think your company could do to make you happier? How do you feel about what Kathryn Minshew had to say? Let us know in the comments!
