ACTING YOUR WAGE is the latest trend causing a stir among young workers. The principle behind this trend is to do only what you are paid to do at your workplace. According to reports, the trend began in 2020 with 27-year-old TikToker Stephanie Hannes speaking about her professional life and the challenges she faces. On Tik Tok, which is a popular social media network among young people, the #actyourwage hashtag has received more than 110 million views!
With computers, smartphones, and social media, this generation has grown up with technology. As the first digital natives, they have different expectations than their older colleagues. Since many millennials return home to their parents after college and switch jobs frequently, they are also known as the “boomerang generation.” For those who think millennials are unmotivated, spoiled whiners, think again. Although millennials want a different work experience than previous generations, your ideas and leadership can still inspire them. They are growing up in an uncertain world where climate change is a reality, not a myth. The question is, how can you connect with younger employees and help them feel part of the team?
- Continually communicate
In any workplace, communication is key, but it’s especially crucial for millennials, who often seek feedback and clear expectations. To help millennials feel more connected to your team, regular one-on-one meetings can be a great opportunity for you. It is also crucial for millennials to have mentors at work because they need a supportive environment.
- Be clear about your company’s values
Companies with a social mission appeal to millennials because they are idealistic about the world. A for-profit business, however, risks alienating employees who might otherwise feel inspired to work hard. A study found that millennials leave companies to embrace their values. Keeping your company’s core values visible is the best way to maintain clarity. As your company grows and new employees join, this can be especially helpful.
- Ensure advancement opportunities
It is common for millennials to receive rewards for doing well in school, but many workplaces do not offer promotions. The most talented and brightest young talent may leave your company if you don’t provide a regular advancement path. Although you don’t need to provide an exact plan for each employee, you should be able to say what it takes to advance.
- Provide flexible working conditions
Families are often significant to millennials, and they wish to spend more time with them. One way to keep talented young employees on your team is to offer flexible working conditions. For example, if you have a team of software developers working on a project that can be done part-time from anywhere in the world, it makes sense to let them work from home.
- Providing training and development
Training and development are another way to attract and retain millennial talent. Maintaining a regular training schedule will keep your employees motivated and engaged. A team-building exercise, workshop related to your job, or online course in your field can help you achieve that goal.
- Acknowledge the accomplishments of your employees
The millennial generation also wants to be appreciated for the amount of work they put in. Recognizing employees’ accomplishments regularly is more effective than doing it once a year. A thank-you note is all that is needed to express appreciation for the work employees does; it does not need to be formal.
Final thoughts
As a society, we face real challenges. Issues such as climate change, economic uncertainty, and cyberattacks will affect millennials and generations after them, too. Thus, it is natural for millennials to want to work in an environment that inspires them. This is because they can make a positive impact on the world and solve real problems.
The “Acting Your Wage” trend encourages leaders, companies, and businesses to support employees of all ages, promote a healthy work-life balance, hire multigenerational employees, develop them, and retain them. The younger generation’s needs and expectations must be met if you want to attract and retain top talent.
