How Millennials are Changing Organizational Culture

By Jason Richmond, Founder, Ideal Outcomes Inc.

Organizational culture has always been a critical factor in the success of companies. In the past, older generations have had the biggest impact on organizational culture. But in recent years, a new generation of employees has begun to enter the workforce: millennials.

Millennials are now the largest working generation, and they're bringing with them changes to the way organizations operate. This has led to a shift in culture, and to be successful, companies will need to embrace these changes and adapt their culture to meet the needs of millennial employees. Otherwise, they risk losing this generation of workers to more forward-thinking competitors.

Below, we'll take a closer look at the value of organizational culture, how millennials are impacting it, and how businesses can respond.

The Value of Organizational Culture
Organizational culture (often referred to as company culture) has long been recognized as a critical factor in the success of businesses. Strong company culture can help attract and retain talented employees, foster creativity and innovation, and build a positive work environment.

A company’s culture should be closely aligned with its values and mission. It should also be something that employees can buy into and be reinforced by leaders consistently.

Businesses can promote a positive, successful workplace by taking the time to build and nurture a strong company culture - and adapt it to employees’ needs as things change.

5 Ways Millennials are Changing Organizational Culture

Organizational Structures
Millennials are quickly changing the landscape of the workplace. They're pushing for more flexible and innovative organizational structures, which is shaking up the way businesses operate. For example, many millennials want more control over their work and more opportunities to be creative.

This has a big impact on the way businesses operate. For example, many companies are now adopting flatter organizational structures, which gives workers more autonomy and flexibility.

Additionally, organizations are starting to use new tools (like collaborative software) to improve communication and collaboration.

These changes aim to meet the needs of millennials and make the workplace more appealing to them. As more and more millennials enter the workforce, we can expect to see even more changes in how businesses are structured.

Flexibility & Work-Life Balance
Flexibility is important to over 90% of millennials when looking for a job. To accommodate this change in perspective, employers are starting to rethink the traditional approach to work-life balance.

Some companies are now offering employees the option to work remotely or tailor their hours to fit their personal needs. This flexibility can be especially beneficial for millennials raising children or caring for elderly parents.

By allowing employees to work in a way that best suits their needs, employers are helping promote a more balanced work-life for everyone.

Technology
Millennials are the first generation to have grown up with technology. They're comfortable using it and expect the ability to use it in the workplace. This has led to a demand for more digital-enabled workplaces.

Companies that want to attract and retain this generation of workers need to be willing to use workplace technologies that will enable them to work and collaborate digitally. This could include technologies like cloud-based storage and communication tools, mobile apps, and virtual meeting platforms.

Millennials also tend to be more comfortable with change and are often early adopters of new technologies. Companies should be prepared to continually update their technology offerings to appeal to this generation.

Values
Millennials are more likely than older generations to seek roles that align with their personal values. In fact, a majority of millennials would even take a pay cut to work for a company with values that align with their own.

Companies can appeal to millennials by clearly communicating their company's values and how they approach social responsibility. They should also create opportunities for employees to get involved in these causes. For example, they could sponsor volunteer days or fundraisers, giving millennials a chance to connect with the company's values and make a difference in their community.

Retention
Millennials are more likely to change jobs frequently than previous generations. They're looking for jobs that are the right fit for them, and they aren't afraid to switch employers if they don't find what they're looking for.

This presents a challenge for businesses, as it can be costly to replace employees. To combat this, businesses should focus on creating a strong company culture that millennials want to be a part of. This could involve offering employees training and development opportunities, promoting a positive work environment, and giving employees a sense of ownership over their work.

By appealing to millennials' values and offering them a great work experience, businesses can reduce the likelihood of employees leaving.

Building a Future-Forward Company Culture
When it comes to the future of work, millennials are leading the charge. To attract and retain this generation of employees, organizations need to build forward-looking cultures that accommodate the changing needs of employees.

If you could use some help elevating your company culture, Ideal Outcomes is here to help. Our culture consulting experts are passionate about helping businesses maximize their most important asset - people. Contact us today to learn more.