Referred to as Generation-Y, Millennials are considered to be anyone born between the years 1980 and 2000 and are taking the economy by storm.  They were born into a digital era, making them the first generation to have infinite access to materials and information via the internet, connecting them with each other and the world.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that Millennials will make up approximately 75% of the workforce by 2030. This statistic is a perfect example of some of the drastic changes that are occurring in the economy. In order for businesses to stay current, it is necessary to keep up with these changes.

Here are some tips to help you adapt more easily…

1. Take advantage of their digital skills. Since they have grown up in such a digital world, they excel at the ability to develop and embrace new systems and tactics. They can help build a great website, establish your social media presence (reaching a larger audience and therefore promoting more business), as well as develop a blog discussing current events.

2. Cater to how individuals respond best. While processes serve a genuine purpose, they should exist in order to make one’s job easier, not more challenging. Since Millennials are so digitally-savvy, they carry out their tasks in the way they feel is most efficient, not specifically according to protocol. They communicate with each other differently than most, through several different social mediums. For example, if you are looking to get in contact with them, send a text message as opposed to an email, considering that emails have a tendency to get lost in a sea of other emails.

3. Be flexible in terms of scheduling and carrying out duties. Millennials possess the qualities necessary to meet the end goal but detest boundaries, hierarchies, and being forced to follow a specific process when they feel they can reach the same goal in a more efficient way. This may be difficult for some to understand because they just aren’t wired the same way. The more flexible a project manager/supervisor can be throughout the span of the assignment, the more the Millennial will be able to express their creativity and ingenuity. To be sure they are staying on task and keeping their site on the ultimate goal, have an open feedback dialogue in place, therefore you know where they are in their creative process at all times.

4. Take their advice. You can learn just as much from them as they can learn from you. Match your veteran employees with new employees and you’ll be amazed at how much they can learn from each other. Have them focus on their strengths, but help them learn to grow in other areas. They have an amazing “can do” attitude and a positive self image which can give your company a fresh new look.

5. Maintain a good work/life balance. Millennials value company culture and like to work in a family environment. They enjoy working in teams and make an effort to make their colleagues their friends. They strive to work for companies that want to make a difference and who see them as a valuable asset to their common goal.

All employees want to feel valued, engaged, and empowered at work. This is a fundamental need, not a generational issue. Your organization’s strategy in helping their employees in continuing to grow and learn may serve as your competitive edge.  Executing this strategy will help your business in attracting, developing, and keeping tomorrow’s talent.