Flexible work schedule and the millennial workforce

Why flexible work schedule is so important for Millenials? As new generations emerge, so does the work environment and culture. Generation Y, also known as Millennials, have adapted to reality by developing a set of traits and it influences the way they operate effectively – also in the professional field. Proper management of the team consisting of that generation will bring many benefits to the company when given certain flexibility. Adapting to the new quality in business is a must because, by 2025, Millennials will control 75% of the global workforce. Who are the millennial workers? How to use the full potential of this digital generation? Take a look at our article find out to see the answers and more!

Flexible work schedule – table of contents:

1. Work smart, not hard
2. Competitive drive
3. The Virtual Dimension of Productivity
4. No limits
5. Flexible work schedule – what does it mean?
6. Summary

Work smart, not hard

This slogan perfectly describes the work philosophy of Y employees. Millennials are very proficient in the areas of virtual reality, social media, and digital technologies. From the point of view of their employer, these areas when harnessed craftily can become a great asset for the company. To maximize the effects of this group, set off by defining the fundamental aspects of motivation.

Several critical traits make up the modern worker. Including the values they correspond to in your job offer will ensure a great response from those interested!

Competitive drive

What’s particularly interesting is that financial aspects are not at all the most important in terms of responsibilities. Many Generation Y representatives focus on the qualities of being genuinely inspired and influencing others. This attitude ensures that a strong rationale for specific missions triggers interest and drives further efforts.

A survey included in Deloitte’s 2021 report provides practical guidance. The data presented shows that only 47% of those interviewed perceive leaders’ commitment to community development, which can lead to a significant decrease in determination and, consequently, a change of workplace.

The Virtual Dimension of Productivity

Millennials have a remarkable intuitive ability to handle products of modern technology and are therefore extremely swift at adapting to subsequent modifications that these technologies undergo. Such predispositions also translate into the professional field.

Indeed, according to a report by Gartner, 42% of employees of the digital generation use instant messaging at work to send messages in real-time, and even social media resources. The natural ways of functioning also fade over to the business sphere.

No limits

In a survey carried out by Manpower Group, 79% of future employers indicate that a flexible work schedule is a critical feature sought in job ads. This is because the Millennials prefer to focus on the task at hand and the ultimate success of their efforts.

In practice, traditional time frames can generate limits and obstacles. Generation Y employees want to decide where and when to perform their duties. Fully customizing their daily schedule enables them to successfully achieve their goals and maintain a balance between life and work.

Flexible work schedule – what does it mean?

There is no clear definition of this model of professional activity. Still, each employee expresses individual preferences and expectations that come out as several basic frameworks.

Remote work defines the perspective, where the activity does not require adherence to a fixed and unchanging location. An interesting alternative is also a hybrid scheme, which combines the advantages of telework and stationary presence in the office. The aforementioned system is particularly practical in the area where direct contact or systematic review meetings are necessary.

B2B or freelance cooperation are modes growing in popularity. Such terms of cooperation rely on the completion of a specific project or outline, and patterns concerning a fixed location or a specific timeframe are no longer important.

The expectations of Millennials are an excellent prerequisite for increasing the attractiveness of a company. Optimal management of flexible work schedule initiates:

• Competitiveness – modern companies understand very well that the dynamics of today’s reality go far beyond routine time barriers, and globalization is obliterating them. This is a colossal opportunity to grow and offer quality that will attract more customers.
• Efficiency – numerous studies suggest that the demonstration of trust and considerable freedom in performing duties results in a significant increase in the productivity of remote workers.
• Specialization – the ability to have a flexible work schedule attracts true experts who frequently do not require costly and lengthy retraining processes. This does not excuse the lack of interest, as generation Y is characterized by an immeasurable desire to learn and improve their skills.

Summary

Changes in the environment and the way we work are inevitable, and digital generation employees will become the new hosts. The hallmark of this professional group is flexibility, thus the skillful design of the terms of engagement will bring about loyalty, agility, and professionalism.

Read also: How to find the right candidate in 5 steps

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