Millennials in the Workplace - #smalltalksSEA Roundup

Millennials continue to be a hot topic for startups and big businesses alike, with leaders seeking to gain an understanding of how to harness the talent of Generation Y workers. At a recent Impact Hub panel discussion titled "Millenials in the Workplace," Seattle's tech community was treated to some great insights on hiring, managing, and thriving with Millenials.

TINYhr founder David Niu joined moderator Jimmy Kwan and moderators Forest Key, Amy Balliett, and Zach Cohn to talk all things Millennial. The result was a deeply educational look into the personal and professional experiences of key players at some very divergent companies. Take a look at a roundup of the tweets that were sent out during the event and what audience members thought of the panel's take on "Millennials in the Workplace."

(Want to see a great infographic about the event or view the event recording in full? Just scroll to the bottom of the page.)

Introductions

Attendees were definitely ready to get things started. And why not? The evening started off with some great food and a chance to meet and greet/do some networking.

Welcome to #SmallTalksSea we are excited for a great night with @TopInfoGraphics @ForestKey @ZacharyCohn @DavidNiu http://t.co/Cbfdz53L0M — Jimmy Kwan (@cultofkwan) October 31, 2013

If the presentations are as good as the snacks at tonight's #smalltalksSEA event, I can't wait to hear! #millenials — Jimmy Winskowski (@jwinskowski) October 31, 2013

So, so happy to be at #smalltalksSEA with the @Zealyst familia. — Fabricio Turcios (@FabricioTurcios) October 31, 2013

Meeting so many great people at tonight's Small Talk on Millennials in the Workplace #smalltalksSEA http://t.co/yMEYHjwkch — Frank Gravelyn, PHR (@basicHR) October 31, 2013

At Hub Seattle and looking forward to tonight's talk about Millennials in the Workplace #smalltalksSEA — betsybasch (@betsybasch) October 31, 2013

Millenials vs. Older Generations

The first round of comments focused on the difference between Millennial workers and their Gen X/Boomer counterparts. How do they differ as employees? As managers?

Millennials are upfront w/ opinions, willing to learn & share knowledge, and know how to give & take constructive criticism #smalltalksSEA — Ana Sofia Knauf (@asknauf) October 30, 2013

Millennials are interested in growth trajectory and describe work with words like "journey" and "adventure." #smalltalksSEA — WhatNowExactly (@WhatNowExactly) October 31, 2013

For Millennials, "it's about the journey." Agreed- who doesn't love an adventure? #SmallTalksSea — Martina Welke (@MartinaWelke) October 31, 2013

Way to go @TopInfoGraphics on winning the Geekwire geekiest office --> Check the video http://t.co/B9T1ly8xZ8 cc: @geekwire #SmallTalksSEA — Jimmy Kwan (@cultofkwan) October 31, 2013

There are differences between older and younger crowds: younger are typically more passionate and vested in the company. #smalltalksSEA — WhatNowExactly (@WhatNowExactly) October 31, 2013

In interviews @ForestKey says Millenials ask more questions about career planning, culture and the future than older gens. #SmallTalksSEA — Jimmy Kwan (@cultofkwan) October 31, 2013

Love @ZacharyCohn 's point that the older Gen manager expects you to do what they say - Millenials expect questions. #SmallTalksSEA — Jimmy Kwan (@cultofkwan) October 31, 2013

I'm a millennial but am apparently overdressed for a conversation about millennials.#smalltalksSEA — janicejavier (@janicejavier) October 31, 2013

#millennials never want to stagnate. If they stop learning at your company, they'll take what they've learned elsewhere. #SmallTalksSEA — Jimmy Winskowski (@jwinskowski) October 31, 2013

Providing ongoing growth and learning opportunities is the key to retaining talented Millennials...from tonight's panel #smalltalksSEA — Frank Gravelyn, PHR (@basicHR) October 31, 2013

Great point from @ZacharyCohn "We have so much debt coming out of school that forward thinking matters" #SmallTalksSEA — Jimmy Kwan (@cultofkwan) October 31, 2013

Are Millennials Narcissistic?

Some of the main stigmas attached to Generation Y center around the idea that they are difficult to work with or narcissistic. What did our panelists have to say?

Millenials are the 1st gen to grow up so immersed in stories. No wonder they frame their professional lives the same way #smalltalksSEA — zach anderson (@fifthworldzach) October 31, 2013

Millennials have big ambition and desire to do great things but often don't know what they don't know says @forestkey #smalltalksSEA — betsybasch (@betsybasch) October 31, 2013

A Millennial-Friendly Workplace

How does a company make their workplace more attractive for Millennials?

@buuteeq Explains that the cost of on-boarding employees SHOULD incentivize companies to invest in a pos. wrk envir #smalltalksSEA @buuteeq — ODL Seattle (@ODLSeattle) October 31, 2013

Let millenials pick their title! -@topinfographics. Hello Cheif Chaos Wrangler! #smalltalkssea — thinkspace (@thinkspace) October 31, 2013

Millennials crave connection, & collaborative work environments-@forestkey. Yes, coworking! #smalltalkssea — thinkspace (@thinkspace) October 31, 2013

Standing table pod, couch/chair/lovesac pod, whiteboard paint all over the walls...Is this #millennial heaven?? @LIFFFT #SmallTalksSEA — Jimmy Winskowski (@jwinskowski) October 31, 2013

Find the Sponge - the people who learn and love it and become more of an expert than you #qt @TopInfoGraphics #SmallTalksSEA {RU a sponge} — Jimmy Kwan (@cultofkwan) October 31, 2013

Are all Millennials Unhappy at Work?

Another stereotype regarding Generation Y workers says that they are not easily satisfied and are likely to jump ship after a year or less, looking for greener pastures. How do you motivate and inspire Millennials to view your company as a long-term opportunity instead of a brief stepping stone?

"People talk about the 'open door policy,' but when was the last time you walked through the open door?" -@davidniu #SmallTalksSEA — Jimmy Winskowski (@jwinskowski) October 31, 2013

"The only thing worse than not getting feedback is getting feedback and not doing anything with it." #smalltalksSEA — Hillarie Maddox (@HillarieM) October 31, 2013

You have the ability to start whatever you like. You don't have to ask anyone's permission. @ZacharyCohn #smalltalksSEA — WhatNowExactly (@WhatNowExactly) October 31, 2013

Working in the service industry humbles you. EVERYONE should have to work service as their first job #qt @TopInfoGraphics #SmallTalksSEA — Jimmy Kwan (@cultofkwan) October 31, 2013

@TopInfographics "I've learned that I have to empower my employees" love this Amy! #SmallTalksSEA — Brian N (@brian_nitz) October 31, 2013

"It's kind of like the cultural shift when people started marrying for love. Now people start to seek out jobs they love..."#smalltalksSEA — JiawenShi (@JiawenShi) October 31, 2013

"Diversity wins" @ForestKey. We love @buuteeq. #smalltalksSEA — Year Up Puget Sound (@YearUpPS) October 31, 2013

Q & A

Before the event started, panel organizer Jimmy Kwan asked a few questions and these are the top responses he received from attendees:

Attending SEA "Millennials" event? TWEET w/ #smalltalksSEA for chance to win $25 gift card: What 3 advantages does GenY bring to workplace? — Jimmy Kwan (@cultofkwan) October 30, 2013

Millennials challenge the status quo, view themselves as a potential CEO, and are driven by passion, not pension. #smalltalksSEA — Jimmy Winskowski (@jwinskowski) October 30, 2013

Q2: If Gen Y ruled the world...TWEET answer w/ #smalltalksSEA for chance to win $25 gift card. Winners selected at => http://t.co/VecXfnEA5V — Jimmy Kwan (@cultofkwan) October 30, 2013

Millennials would bring creative solutions, fresh insight, and an insatiable appetite to work (fueled by student loan debt) #smalltalksSEA — Matt Hudgins (@mattthebatch) October 30, 2013

If Gen Y ruled the world, #EveryoneWouldSpeakInHashtag #smalltalksSEA — janicejavier (@janicejavier) October 31, 2013

If Gen Y ruled the world, we would have corporate meetings via @Snapchat #smalltalkssea — aubrey bach (@aubreybach) October 31, 2013

Q3: Advice u would to give to GenY? TWEET w/ #smalltalksSEA for chance to win $25 gift card. Winners selected at => http://t.co/VecXfnEA5V — Jimmy Kwan (@cultofkwan) October 30, 2013

#smalltalksSEA Advice to Millenials: BE global, BE local, BE innovative Have no fear the world is depending on you — carol lycette (@clycette) October 30, 2013

One piece of advice for millennials: You truly have the power to change the workplace..and the world. #smalltalksSEA — B.J. Shannon (@BJShann0n) October 30, 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CpcUrtA5VU

In Closing

We had a great time at this fabulous HUB #smalltalksSEA event. What are your thoughts on managing Millennials in the workplace?