Millennials have prompted significant change in the world in numerous ways, and many companies are now focusing on the effects of their presence in the modern workplace and online communities.
Almost 75% of SEO marketers saw an increase in web traffic after devoting a mere six hours per week to social media development. Not only that, but according to a new report from UPS and ComScore, Millennials are the driving force in a major online shift.
The 18-to-34 age group is now making 54% of its purchases online, up from 51% last year and five points ahead of the 49% of online purchases made by non-Millennials.
“The Millennial impact is critical. It is the driving force behind a lot of the change in retail,” says Neil Saunders, CEO of retail analysis firm Conlumino. “Millennial consumers are digital natives; they don’t view the world in terms of channels, they see smartphones, tablets, social media, stores and so forth as part of one big ecosystem. Retailers, by contrast, have typically thought in terms of channels, so they are having to integrate their thinking and systems and ways of doing business.”
Online shopping isn’t the only industry where Millennials are making waves, either.
Just over 60% of Butler/Till Media Communications’ workforce is made up of Millennials, and despite the overwhelming number of negative stereotypes that surround Millennials, local business leaders find that their presence is making a positive change.
The past two years have resulted in record growth for the agency, which President Kimberly Jones believes is in part due to the company’s younger staffers.
“I think that it has been very positive,” Jones says. “I think that there are some adjustments; I think they have different expectations than the generations that came before them.”
Jones thinks the fact that millennials tend to question authority is much more positive than employers make it out to be. She says the questions Millennials raise can actually help an organization if leaders are willing to listen.
“There’s a natural curiosity, and I think that they’ve grown up in a world and a time where that curiosity has been celebrated,” Jones says. “They were encouraged to be an individual, to ask questions and to be curious. When that shows up in the workplace, I think for some people it can be off-putting.”
Industries that don’t have as many Millennials may find the new generation to be confusing or frustrating, and adapting to these new directions might seem like a monumental task. However, leaders are beginning to accept that Millennials are an integral part of the new business landscape and that trying a change or two may surprise everyone in how it affects culture and morale.
“I think we can just say firsthand at Butler/Till that they have created a better workplace for all of us in challenging some of the things that we accepted as norms. If you’re open to changing and evolving, ultimately I think any business is going to be stronger for it,” Jones concludes.
No Comment