What Millennials Want from Work

About the Author

Jennifer J. Deal, Ph.D., is a Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) in San Diego, California. She is also an Affiliated Research Scientist at the Center for Effective Organizations at the University of Southern California and a contributor to the Wall Street Journal's "Experts" panel on leadership. With a deep understanding of leadership dynamics, Deal brings her expertise to the forefront in exploring Millennial engagement in the workplace.

Alec Levenson, Ph.D., is an Economist and Senior Research Scientist at the Center for Effective Organizations, Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California. Levenson's work focuses on the intersection of economics and organizational behavior, providing a robust analytical perspective to the study of Millennials in the workforce.

Main Idea

The book What Millennials Want from Work: How to Maximize Engagement in Today's Workforce by Jennifer J. Deal and Alec Levenson delves into the realities behind the stereotypes of Millennials. It provides a comprehensive analysis of their motivations, preferences, and behaviors in the workplace. Based on extensive global research, the authors aim to dispel myths and offer practical strategies for organizations to effectively engage and retain Millennial employees. The central theme is that understanding and addressing the unique needs of Millennials can lead to enhanced productivity, stronger organizational culture, and a robust talent pipeline.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Entitled and Hardworking
3. Needy and Independent
4. Do Good and Do Well
5. High Tech and High Touch
6. Committed and Leaving
7. What Millennials Want and How to Give It to Them
8. Looking to the Future
9. The Authors

Introduction

Millennials have often been labeled as entitled, lazy, and disloyal, but these stereotypes do not capture the complexity of this generation. Deal and Levenson emphasize the importance of data-driven insights over anecdotal evidence. They argue that a nuanced understanding of Millennials is crucial for organizations aiming to leverage their talents effectively.

The research presented in this book is based on global surveys and fieldwork conducted between 2008 and 2015, involving over 25,000 Millennial and 29,000 older employees from 22 countries. The findings focus on Millennials in professional, technical, managerial, and executive roles. By understanding what Millennials truly want from work, organizations can create environments where these employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

Entitled and Hardworking

Millennials Want a Life Outside of Work

One of the main reasons Millennials are perceived as entitled is their insistence on maintaining a work-life balance. Unlike previous generations who prioritized career advancement often at the expense of personal life, Millennials seek immediate fulfillment in both domains. They are acutely aware of the impact of constant connectivity and the expectation to be available at all times, which blurs the line between work and personal time.

"More than half of Millennials say that their work often interferes with their personal lives in a way that makes it difficult to fulfill their personal responsibilities." — Jennifer J. Deal

For Millennials, the integration of work and life is essential. They are willing to allow work to encroach on personal time but expect adequate compensation in the form of flexibility and time off to enjoy their lives now, not just in the future.

Millennials Think They Can Say What They Want

A cultural shift towards open communication has empowered Millennials to express their opinions freely, even to their superiors. This behavior is often misinterpreted as disrespectful, but it reflects a broader societal trend towards informality and egalitarianism in the workplace. Millennials believe that their input is valuable and that constructive criticism can benefit the organization.