There’s been quite a pattern in recent years of companies moving away from the traditional nine-to-five work day structure. While part of that has to do with the rise of the internet and the growing ability to work remotely, another significant part has to do with a new attitude being brought into the business world by Millennials.
More than any previous generation, Millennials are seeking jobs that allow for flexible hours and freedom in terms of where and when they work. Not only are they pursuing more freelance and independent positions, but they are also seeking jobs that allow them to work remotely on a regular basis, or at least give them the ability to set their own hours on occasion.
This is the first generation to grow up with the internet and enter the work world, and now we’re seeing its effects. The internet has opened a lot of doors for this generation, and they’re taking their interests and passions and
finding a way to act on them online, rather than in a cubicle in an office building.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of Millennials in the work world is their passion for finding work that they believe is meaningful, rather than just being willing to slide into any career. Even in an age where finding a job is significantly more difficult than it was in decades passed, Millennials are being picky with the kinds of jobs that they take and seem less willing to compromise with jobs that they do not enjoy or do not provide some sort of meaning to their lives.
Finally, Millennials understand the importance of personal branding and networking better than any generation that came before them. You see it in the way they interact with people on social networks — they are extremely connected, and have an innate ability to leverage those connections to find personal success.
So do these traits mean that Millennials will bring about the end of the traditional nine-to-five work day? Probably not entirely, but over the next few years we’re going to continue to see a trend of businesses emphasizing flexibility, freedom and meaningful work when targeting young employees, and that trend isn’t going to end any time soon.
Copyright 2015 Viral Solutions LLC
by Thomas von Ahn | Chief Elephant Slayer
Viral Solutions LLC is a Digital Marketer Certified Partner, Infusionsoft Certified Consultant and a Mobit Certified Partner. We help overwhelmed small business owners duplicate themselves – so business can be fun again.