The Tribune

Current global research indicates that millennials (persons born between 1982 and 1998) will account for 50 per cent of the total global workforce by 2020. There is no way of avoiding the large number of young people that are flooding into the workplace with great expectations of serving, and to be served. Leaders representing 'Generation X' and the 'Baby Boomer Generation' must develop a higher degree of sensitivity to the needs that millennials have. Here are some ideas for engaging millennial workers in more meaningful ways:

1. Keep it brief, but meaningful

Millennials have mastered the art of saying something meaningful in 140 characters or less. The more concise your own message, the more likely they are to relate to, or appreciate, what you say.

2. At the same time, provide detail

Just because you are concise does not mean you should skimp on the important information. Most millennials prefer to receive a detailed plan or instruction before jumping into a project. Present everything they need to know to do the job well, but skip flowery prose.

3. Choose the best medium for communication

Face-to-face meetings and conference calls are not as effective with millennials. Reach the younger generation where they already spend the most time - on their mobile devices. Try an online team portal for collaboration with a mobile app, or get used to Skype.

4. Understand the 24/7 communication cycle

Non-traditional schedules are becoming more common in business, and millennials are prepared to work after they leave the office. Schedule digital communication to keep things moving outside the 9am to 5pm timeframe.

5. Communicate the path to career growth

According to a Harris Interactive survey for CareerBuilder, 61 per cent of 25-34 year olds surveyed believe they should be promoted within two to three years if they are doing a good job. Communicate performance assessments frequently, and make sure your younger workers understand their own career path within the company.

6. Don't condescend or make jokes about age

Millennials want and expect, to be taken seriously at work. Respect them, and they will respect you. And forget the: "This is what I was doing when you were born" jokes, which are tiresome and annoying.

7. Demonstrate fairness in the workplace

Millennials support equality of all kinds. As such, leaders and co-workers must behave in a way that can never be perceived as prejudicial or biased towards - or against - anyone or any group of people. It is not political correctness as much as it is a genuine concern for equal rights.

8. Commit to a social bottom line

Charitable giving and corporate volunteerism are very important to the millennial generation. Make sure you are communicating your company contribution to the greater good on a regular basis.

9. Most important, nurture their passion

This generation, more than any other, wants to feel as though their lives and what they do mean something. Use mission-driven terminology to communicate the overall purpose of your company, and their role in achieving those goals.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.