Millennials Shaping the Workplace

July 24, 2022

Lamees El Zeghaty

Millennials make up a big portion of the workforce and are key players in any organization. Organizations that can utilize the set skills that Millennials bring to any workplace have a great chance in succeeding as skills beget advancement. Great Place to Work has announced the top 30 Best Workplaces for Millennials in the GCC. These 30 organizations have given the power to Millennials.

What do Millennials look for in an organization?

The top companies that have made it to the Millennials list shared common practices that are of high value for Millennials. These best practices manifest cultural diversity and making a difference, two values that are held highly by Millennials.

Millennials are on the lookout for work-life balance as they believe there is more to life than having a 9 to 5 job. During the COVID pandemic, Millennials got their way as companies had to work from home and adhere to flexible working hours due to the pandemic. It is then that companies began exploring the hybrid model more, resonating with what Millennials have been standing up for.

There is a stereotype existing regarding millennials, claiming that they are entitled and have excessive demands. However, requesting to have a life outside of work is not entitlement and will not affect work performance. Employees tend to exert more effort at work once they are rested rather than stressed from working long hours. Millennials have been perceived as being disloyal to employers. However, that is a misconception as millennials tend to leave their jobs for better opportunities that provide the demands, they constantly advocate for such as flexibility, work-life balance and sense of purpose.

Technology is a gamechanger and Millennials gravitate towards companies that embrace technology. Millennials are known for being team players not to each his own. Hence, this teamwork trait can be draw on by organizations for their benefit. Technology advancement causes organizations to up their game in order to be ahead, Millennials play a key role in this process. Being tech-savvy and on top of all technology updates can give companies the needed edge to be part of the technology world. The technological skills of this age group are valuable resource that companies can utilize for their advantage.

Want to get recognized for your great culture?

Find out how you can power your people analytics function and show the world you’re a great workplace with our Great Place to Work-Certification™ process.

Best Practices of our Top 30 Companies

1. Sense of Purpose

The companies that have proudly made it to the Millennials list had several common practices which landed them on the Best Workplaces for Millennials list. Playing a part in the community is a purpose Millennials perceive as a priority. Companies have given a sense of pride to their employees by ensuing that through their work, they are contributing to the community. Millennials advocate for always having a purpose and doing valuable work supports that purpose. These companies have proven that by the

service and products they offer, that they still play a key role in their communities. Millennials are the bridge between making a difference while getting the job done.

2. One Team One Goal

Employees seek management that put their trust in them and values their skills to get the job done. Hence, Millennials emphasize the importance of having managers that trust them with valuable work and exert effort in making them feel welcomed. Feeling welcomed and part of the team builds up the confidence of all employees not only new joiners.

3. Fair Treatment for All

Discrimination is a topic tackled in any organization that is willing to put the effort in making their workplace culture-friendly. Discrimination is always a struggle in any given environment, millennials stand by rights and are against discrimination in the workplace whether based on age, race or any other factor. The companies that made it to the list ranked highly when it came to their impact on the community and stances against discrimination.

Organizations tend to resort to the need-to-know basis tactic when it comes to sharing information with employees, a tactic unwelcomed by Millennials. Millennials believe that their involvement in decisions made by management is of high significance. Employers refrain from hiring millennials as they believe they seek more than a steady paycheck, instead they seek a seat on the table due to them requesting to be part of decisions. Transparency is another requirement for Millennials and this has increased and strengthened the communication between management and employees. Moreover, collaboration between employees fosters teamwork and work commitment. Constant appetite for learning is what builds the mentality of Millennials of taking full advantage of any opportunity and collaborating with others gives Millennials the space to expand their knowledge.