Born between 1980 and 2000, Millennials are quickly becoming the hottest commodity in the job market, and they have radical views about what work should look like compared to their Generation X peers. They are sociable, talented, connected, optimistic, well-educated, collaborative, open-minded and achievement-oriented, and they are rapidly entering the workforce with high expectations. Millennials are the first generation to grow up surrounded by digital media. They are also known as Generation Y, the Internet Generation, Nexters, the Digital Generation, and Echo Boomers.

Some key characteristics of Millennials are:

• Confident: They were raised by parents with a strong emphasis on self-esteem. They fear nothing and consider themselves ready to overcome any challenge.
• Optimistic: They believe in their future and their role in it. They’ve heard about companies that cater to work-life balance – basketball courts, free food and coffee in the break room, onsite daycare and the lounge with an Xbox. They expect to be challenged, have the room to be creative and collaborate, have the opportunity for advancement and financial rewards, and to have fun at work!
• Goal oriented: They know what they want from work and from life, and they are set on getting it, whether it is at your company or not.
• Civic minded: They are concerned with the greater good and how to make their community and the world a better place. They expect companies to promote and participate in these endeavors, and to promote an environment of sustainability.
• Inclusive: They expect to collaborate.  They are used to being organized into teams. They expect to earn a living comparable to their peers and to work in a fair environment where everyone has equal opportunity.
• Connected: They live with their cell phones in hand, able to communicate with their peers anytime, anywhere, for any purpose. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr are just a few of the tools that allow them to get their message out. They expect your company to utilize these technologies when appropriate.

The influx of Millennials into the job market is causing companies to ask questions.  How do they choose a career? What are their expectations? What does work look like to them? How will they change the workplace – or how will the workplace change to accommodate them? How do we manage them? How do we challenge them? How can we help them be successful?

In this uncertain economy, companies all across the world are realizing the importance of effectively attracting and retaining Millennials. Is your company ready? Will you embrace the new ideas they have about what work should look like or will you shun them?