Millennials are having a huge impact on trends in the workforce today. They are now the single largest working demographic, and they look upon their employment in different ways than past generations. More companies are being forced to adapt to stay productive. Here are just four of the ways that Millennials are changing the workplace.

Seeking Relaxing Environments

For past generations, the emphasis was on achieving a work-life balance. It didn’t matter how hard or long employees worked so long as they found ways to forget about the job, unwind, and release stress. Where it was once advised to separate work and life, Millennials seem more focused on finding a way to integrate the two. They are willing to stay connected and even take work home with them. In return, companies are beginning to adapt to these trends in the workforce by encouraging employees to unwind right on the job, whether it’s ping-pong in the break room or a meditation garden.

Developing Fun Company Cultures

A big part of the de-stressing and work-life integration is the opportunity to actually have fun at work. It’s common to see basketball courts, gymnasiums, beer in the company fridge, and gourmet meals in the cafeteria. Some companies will encourage volleyball teams and bag-lunch outdoor conferences. For many younger employees, these kinds of perks are just as, or even more important, than a good paycheck. Allowing some fun at work helps companies in recruiting and retaining new talent.

Communicating Openly (and Expecting Others to Do So as Well)

Millennials also want the freedom to express themselves and play a part in company decisions. To accommodate this, employers are trying to establish policies for constant, mutual feedback between staff and management. Employees want to keep informed about what’s going on with corporate strategy. They want the opportunity to share their ideas and express their opinions. In newer business models, there is more time and opportunity for employees to communicate with their peers, ask questions of management, and receive and discuss observations of their job performance.

Using the Workplace to Find their Identity

A few key attributes of the millennial generation is that they want to be able to express themselves, exercise independence, and solve problems. They see the workplace as a great place to do just that!
Yet, many vocations tend to be restrictive of individuality. When that happens, they might not be so inclined to stick around. Healthcare is one of those industries that tends to be restrictive—uniforms, little room for creativity, and not an environment where the word “fun” is often associated.  Perhaps that is why it’s estimated that by 2020 two-thirds of millennial nurses will move on to other opportunities.

Yet, it should be noted that the healthcare facilities that create non-stressful environments, an attractive culture and a communicative atmosphere may be able to retain their millennial workforce. Other trends in the workforce include seeking masters degrees in nursing, working up the hierarchy, and becoming great influencers in the industry. The same goes for any other industry. If you want your millennial workforce to stick around, it’d be best to provide an environment where they can be free to be themselves and thrive.

Evolving Trends in the Workforce

The workforce is changing as the younger generation takes to the helm and the Baby Boomer workforce decreases. Businesses everywhere are going to have to start competing with each other in order to keep the younger generation happily employed with them.