Millennials - Incorrigible or Innovative

A Fresh Look at Generation Y

Minnesota Mentoring Conference

October 2010

What is a Millennial?

Individuals born during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Mainly

consisting of teenagers and 20 something’s.

What is your motivation behind engaging millennial

volunteers?

Discuss some Millennial attributes and some

challenges in working with Millennials. What change can Millennials bring to

your organization?

Millennial Attributes

Individuality within one cohesive group

Potential to succeed just because ‘you’ are ‘you.’

Diversity- Not just expected but assumed

The Millennial Generation will continue to become even more diverse due to immigration

Millennial Difference: Diversity

Millennial Strategy Program® Source: US Census, 2006

99

World Travel and Mobility- The New Normal

Inclusivity and Equality

Innovative Technology

13

Adult Millennials Drive Social Network UseBased on weekly or more frequent users, ranked by Adult Millennials

General or broad social networking sites 52%

Niche or focused social networking sites 25%

Social play sites 28%

Gen Xers General or broad social networking sites 29%

Niche or focused social networking sites 14%

Social play sites 13%

Boomers General or broad social networking sites 13%

Niche or focused social networking sites 7%

Social play sites 9%Millennial Strategy Program® Source: US Census, 2006

Q. 40-42 The following are types of social sites online. How often, if ever, do you use the following online sites – accessing the Internet with any device (computer, laptop, smartphone, PSP, etc)?

General or broad social networking sites 44%

Niche or focused social networking sites 19%

Social play sites 29%

Pre-Teens/Teens

Adult Millennials

Millennial Tapestry. 2008 Frank N. Magid Associates, Inc.

14

Word-Of-Mouth Dominates As Source Of Coolest, Hottest, LatestBased on Adult Millennials who say the source applies to them

Millennial Strategy Program® Source: US Census, 2006Q. 60(A-L) How important are each of the following in helping you keep up with the latest trends, the coolest things to do, or the hottest things to buy? *Asked of those 18 or older with kids

My friends

My kids*

My parents

Magazines

Web sites

Programs on Cable TV

Programs on Network TV

Social networking sites

TV commercials

Newspapers

Blogs

Billboards

Generational ComparisonTraditionalists Boomers Xers Millennials

Outlook Practical Optimistic Skeptical Hopeful

Work ethic Dedicated Driven Balanced Determined

Leadership by Heirarchy Consensus Competence Pulling Together

Relationships Personal

Sacrifice

Personal

Gratification

Reluctant to

Commit

Inclusive

Zemke, Raines, Filipczak. Generations at Work, 2000.

Generational Clash PointsTraditionalists Boomers Xers Millennials

Career Goals

Build a legacy Build a stellar career

Build a portable career

Build parallel careers

Rewards The satisfaction of a job well done

Money, title, recognition, the corner office

Freedom is the ultimate reward

Work that has meaning for me

Job Changing

Job changing carries a stigma

Job changing puts you behind

Job changing is necessary

Job changing is part of my daily routine

Zemke, Raines, Filipczak. Generations at Work, 2000.

Millennial Volunteering

Trends and Highlights

• In 2009, 10.8 million Millennials dedicated 1.1 billion hours of service to communities across the country.

• 21.6 percent of Millennials volunteered in 2009 (21.5% in 2008).

• Religious institutions are the most popular places through which Millennials volunteer.

Corporation for National and Community Service, www.volunteeringinamerica.gov, 2009.

Millennial Volunteer Trends

Corporation for National and Community Service, www.volunteeringinamerica.gov, 2009.

How do Millennials Volunteer?

Corporation for National and Community Service, www.volunteeringinamerica.gov, 2009.

Pinpoint Motivation

Why would a Millennial choose to volunteer their time?

• Opportunity to make an impact, see real results and be CHALLENGED

• See volunteering as a part of their

Work Life Balance• Professional development and resume building

opportunities

Are Millennials volunteering with your organization? What could be the reason they aren’t currently

volunteering?

(Handout)

Section 5-Best Practices

Rethink the structure of your position design.

• Do you allow for schedule flexibility and varied forms of commitment (episodic volunteers, seasonal internships)?

• Do you provide opportunities for Millennials to engage in leadership roles?

• Do you provide a continuous system of feedback and supervision?

• Do you allow for Millennials to gain ownership of project based assignments?

Recruitment & Position Design

Pointers:

• Choose your words carefully

• Emphasize benefits(flexibility, professional development, etc.)

• Get the word out

Position Design

Learn from Corporate Job Design and Recruitment Tools

• Cardinal Health-Youth Intern Program

(Handout)

Working with Millennial Volunteers

Boundaries

•Ground rules

•Expectations

•Room for Ownership

Working with Millennial Volunteers

Make feedback a priority

• Timely and up to date

• Measurable

• Build trust

Retention

• Find multiple ways to support volunteers• Feedback, Feedback, Feedback• Provide opportunities to learn new tasks and

tackle challenges• Emphasize their effectiveness as a volunteer• Never underestimate a written or verbal thank

you

Wrap Up

How does YOUR organization measure up?

(Handout- Organizational Assessment)