mastering millennials: how to effectively communicate with this generation

HOW TO EFFECTIVELY

WITH THIS GENERATION

Mastering Millennials:

C O M M U N I C A T E

2 years ago, if you asked someone to describe

a Millennial,

you’d probably hear words like:

entitled.tech-obsessed. spoiled. lazy.

Ask them the samequestion today,

and you’ll start to hear words like:

LEADERS.INNOVATORS.MOTIVATED.

SELF-STARTERS.

we’re starting to uncover a unique value of characteristics we previously viewed in a negative light

THERE ARE 2 REASONS FOR THIS.

1. The evolution of Millennial characteristics as they’ve grown their once negative traits into strengths

2. The shift in our attitudes of how we view Millennials, looking at what they bring to the table through a different and more positive lens

We’re starting to see the effects of what a Millennial mindset brings to the workplace...

We’re starting to see the effects of what a Millennial mindset brings to the workplace...

what we’ll cover today:● Historical context for Millennials’ unique

communication style● Best methods & avenues for communicating● What this means for Millennial relocations

historical context for Millennials’ communication style

first off, it’s important to get one thing straight.

Millennials aren’t necessarily

communicators.BAD

They are

communicators.DIFFERENT

If we take a step back & uncover the ...we’ll find that there can be

in this communication style

“why”benefit

LET’S LOOK AT SOME OF THE DEFINING MOMENTS FOR

MILLENNIALS AS THEY WERE GROWING UP

Born between 1982-2004

Born between 1982-2004

Witnessed the gender shift for women

Born between 1982-2004

Witnessed the gender shift for women

Experienced 2007 economic collapse

Born between 1982-2004

Experienced 2007 economic collapse

Faced an uncertain future with a shaky job market

Witnessed the gender shift for women

As a result of living through these significant movements...

Millennials frequent communication and feedback

crave

Millennials frequent communication and feedback

crave

let’s look at how they were raised:

1965average time spent with kids

Fathers: 2.5 hrs/weekMothers: 10.2 hrs/ week

1965 2011average time spent with kids

Fathers: 2.5 hrs/weekMothers: 10.2 hrs/ week

average time spent with kids

Fathers: 7.3 hrs/weekMothers: 13.5 hrs/week

*Pew Social Trends

1965 2011average time spent with kids

Fathers: 2.5 hrs/weekMothers: 10.2 hrs/ week

average time spent with kids

Fathers: 7.3 hrs/weekMothers: 13.5 hrs/week

60% INCREASE

we can see a correlation between this and how Millennials communicate.

we can see a correlation between this and how Millennials communicate. they’re used to getting time with their mentors.

we can see a correlation between this and how Millennials communicate. they’re used to getting time with their mentors.having their ear.

we can see a correlation between this and how Millennials communicate. they’re used to getting time with their mentors.having their ear.USING THEM AS A SOUNDING BOARD.

we can see a correlation between this and how Millennials communicate. they’re used to getting time with their mentors.having their ear.USING THEM AS A SOUNDING BOARD.

THEY GREW UP HAVING A CONSTANT SENSE OF GUIDANCE.

The time in which Millennials

grew up & how they were raised is

SIGNIFICANT when looking

at their behaviors

“64% of employees said they want their supervisor to check in at least

every 2 weeks, but 42% of Millennials want feedback every week—more than

of any other generation.”

twice the percentage

*TINYpulse

“feedback”

but remember:the word

means different things to different generations

to boomers:

but to millennials:

“Feedback” might imply a more formal or extensive conversation, usually requiring prep work beforehand

It can be simple as a quick chat confirming that they’re on the right

track. Millennials are more than able to run with things on their own, but a quick and informal check-in will go a long way.

Let’s uncover the best path to

take when giving giving

that feedback.

Best methods for communicatingwith Millennials

STARTING WITH THE FACTS. HERE ARE SOME STATISTICS

ABOUT MILLENNIALS AND HOW THEY COMMUNICATE

Only 15% of employees say their company does a good job fostering communication

Only 15% of employees say their company does a good job fostering communication

38% of Baby-Boomers say Millennials are more honest but sometimes too brash or opinionated

Only 15% of employees say their company does a good job fostering communication

38% of Baby-Boomers say Millennials are more honest but sometimes too brash or opinionated

60% of employees say a web-based Q&A platform would ease communication across generations

Only 15% of employees say their company does a good job fostering communication

70% of employees would be more likely to share information through a web-based platform

38% of Baby-Boomers say Millennials are more honest but sometimes too brash or opinionated

60% of employees say a web-based Q&A platform would ease communication across generations

MILLENNIALS WANT COMMUNICATION,

AND THEY’LL TAKE IT HOWEVER

AND WHENEVER.

BEFORE, DURING, OR AFTER WORK

IT JUST COMES DOWN TO THREE

MAIN THINGS:

tone in virtual communication

value on a genuine personality

consuming & absorbing information

tone in virtual communication

If you put an email from a Millennial & a Boomer

...you can be pretty sure they’d be able to pair the generation with the email.

in front of a stranger

let’s try it out.

GENERATION A GENERATION BHey hannah!!

Hope you had good weekend...finally got some good weather! I had a quick question I wanted to run by you about a proposal I’m trying to finish up—can we chat at some point this week?

I’ll buy you a coffee for your help :)

Cheers!jessie

Hi Hannah,

I hope your week is off to a good start. I have 2 points of customer feedback I want to share with you.

Can we set aside 30 minutes to talk? I’ll send a calendar invite.

Looking forward to getting your insight.

Best,Jessie

GENERATION A GENERATION BHey hannah!!

Hope you had good weekend...finally got some good weather! I had a quick question I wanted to run by you about a proposal I’m trying to finish up—can we chat at some point this week?

I’ll buy you a coffee for your help :)

Cheers!jessie

Hi Hannah,

I hope your week is off to a good start. I have 2 points of customer feedback I want to share with you.

Can we set aside 30 minutes to talk? I’ll send a calendar invite.

Looking forward to getting your insight.

Best,Jessie

?

millennialHey hannah!!

Hope you had good weekend...finally got some good weather! I had a quick question I wanted to run by you about a proposal I’m trying to finish up—can we chat at some point this week?

I’ll buy you a coffee for your help :)

Cheers!jessie

Hi Hannah,

I hope your week is off to a good start. I have 2 points of customer feedback I want to share with you.

Can we set aside 30 minutes to talk? I’ll send a calendar invite.

Looking forward to getting your insight.

Best,Jessie

baby-boomer

THE GIVEAWAYS

the Millennial email just sounds more in-line with how we actually talk…...it’s a little more friendly, and it has the classic Millennial plug for a quick conversation but not setting a time…...Millennials want it to feel informal and easy…..On the other hand, the email written by the Baby Boomer is just a little more direct and professional. It’s all about how you read the tone of the email in your head….. and one group might read it as simply being to-the-point where as another group - our Millennials - might read it as stern and a little more buttoned-up.

Millennial email is more in line with how we actually talk

Baby-boomers prefer to have a set time identified and reserved

Boomer tonality is more direct and professional

THE GIVEAWAYSMillennial email is more in line with how we actually talk

Baby-boomers prefer to have a set time identified and reserved

Boomer tonality is more direct and professional

The tone that each generation reads & writes in can lead to different interpretations

value on a genuine personality

WE PUT THIS ONE TO THE TEST AT URBANBOUND.

LAST YEAR, OUR RELOCATION CONSULTANTS TOOK A NEW

APPROACH WITH A RELOCATING INTERN GROUP, SENDING A DIFFERENT, MORE

PLAYFUL WELCOME EMAIL.

Hi from Alex and Lauren!

We wanted to quickly check-in before you begin your short term housing search, as well as clear something up:

Despite what you may think, us relocation consultants are in fact not robots.

We get it though, you need proof. So, we wrote up some fun facts to help you get to know us a little better, and we look forward to getting to know you better when we connect on the phone this month. (Left: Lauren; Right: Alex)

Here are some fun facts...

THIS APPROACH HUMANIZED THE RELATIONSHIP, GIVING

THE INTERNS .context

AND IT WAS AN EXTREMELY SUCCESSFUL APPROACH TO

HELPING THIS SPECIFIC GROUP OF EMPLOYEES.

consuming & absorbing information

Try to send short bursts of thoughts or ideas as they come to you. Millennials will read it, understand it, and retain it much better in comparison to a long-winded email.

If you need to get something across that isn’t as easy to convey in a quick message, let Millennials know at the beginning of the email that it’s

imperative for them to read the message.

e n t i r e

If you need to get something across that isn’t as easy to convey in a quick message, let Millennials know at the beginning of the email that it’s

imperative for them to read the message.

If something has a little more importance or density to it,

to ensure everything makes its way through.

e n t i r e

set an in-person meeting

If you need to get something across that isn’t as easy to convey in a quick message, let Millennials know at the beginning of the email that it’s

imperative for them to read the message.

If something has a little more importance or density to it,

to ensure everything makes its way through.

e n t i r e

set an in-person meeting

it’s all about setting expectations ahead of time.

what this means for Millennial relocations

MILLENNIALS HAVE A

LIVING IN A variety of information

variety of places

WORK EMAIL, PERSONAL EMAIL, TEXT MESSAGES, INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, SNAPCHAT, G-CHAT, SLACK, PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS, VOICEMAIL,

Think:

WORK EMAIL, PERSONAL EMAIL, TEXT MESSAGES, INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, SNAPCHAT, G-CHAT, SLACK, PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOLS, VOICEMAIL,

Think:

and the list goes on...

NOW THINK ABOUT THE

YOU NEED TO KEEP TRACK OF variety of information

during a relocation

SUPPLIERS FOR TRAVEL, CAR RENTAL, HOUSEHOLD GOODS SHIPMENT, AUTO SHIPMENT, NEW HOUSING,COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A HIRING MANAGER, MOBILITY CONTACT, A THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE...

Think:

SUPPLIERS FOR TRAVEL, CAR RENTAL, HOUSEHOLD GOODS SHIPMENT, AUTO SHIPMENT, NEW HOUSING,COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A HIRING MANAGER, MOBILITY CONTACT, A THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE...

Think:

again, the list goes on...

That said, it’s important for you to help Millennials categorize & organize their tasks, bucketing different sets of information in their mind ahead of time

THINK ABOUT HOW YOU HANDLE YOUR FINANCES

THINK ABOUT HOW YOU HANDLE YOUR FINANCES

login to an online banking portalidentify what you need to accomplishprepare your mind for the set of taskssee and address what needs to be done

TRY TO GIVE RELOCATION THAT SAME ATTENTION AND

SEGMENTATION

YOU CAN DO THIS BY:GIVING EMPLOYEES AN ONLINE,

CENTRALIZED HUB TO STORE ALL RELOCATION-RELATED TASKS,

ITEMS, POINTS-OF-CONTACT, AND DOCUMENTS TO REFERENCE THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS

AND BE VOCAL ABOUT THAT SOLUTION!

“44% of employees said that they either didn’t know or their

employer didn’t offer

concerning their mobility benefits program.”

online access to information

*Global Mobility Trends

All in all: communicating with Millennials doesn’t have to be as complex as we make it out to be. if you strive to

understand where their habits stem from, working with them — instead of against them —

you’ll see significant improvement in their work.

Remember to segment information whenever possible, and provide centralized places to go

with information stored in one place.

Millennials are the future of our workforce.with the right tools and guidance,

they’ll be excited for the opportunity to learn and grow in their careers with you!