There’s no denying the millennial generation’s continued impact on the technology industry. Possessing an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to rapidly move into management, millennials are known for exploring any opportunity to advance their IT careers. Their influence is only expected to grow over the next few years and beyond.

Let’s take a closer look at how technology project and personnel management is changing due to the fresh insights and input from the minds of millennials. Perhaps a few ideas may influence your own approach at the office?

Millennials are the “Digital Natives”

Growing up surrounded by technology gives millennials a different approach compared to earlier generations. Alex Shootman, CEO at Workfront, commented on the new perspective provided by these workers – who he calls “digital natives.” He feels the millennial generation’s effect on the technology industry is only starting to grow.

“Just like any immigrant and native in a society, there are differences, and those differences will change the workplace. Differences include that digital natives view the workplace as egalitarian vs. hierarchical, they prefer telecommuting and flexible hours and the opportunity to make up work remotely, (i.e., from a café on a weekend or while on vacation),” said Shootman.

Flexibility in Scheduling and Location of Work

As Shootman notes, millennials prefer flexible work schedules and telecommuting to working from the office. This allows them to achieve a proper balance between their personal and professional lives.

Flexibility also influences their desire to regularly work on different tasks as opposed to holding a static set of duties. This is one of the reasons millennials tend to switch jobs on a regular basis. Companies following a DevOps organizational structure with a focus on collaboration and job flexibility stand a better chance of retaining their services over the long haul.

This last point cannot be overstated. Gallup estimates millennial turnover costs the American economy over $30 million on an annual basis. Eric Bergman, a vice president at Changepoint, comments that “millennials’ aversion to hidden agendas, rigid corporate structures and information silos coupled with a willingness to explore new opportunities will fundamentally change the nature of work or severely cost businesses.”

Ultimately, for a technology organization to truly thrive in the 21^st Century, the approach towards the management of their younger employees needs to be part of the final calculus when it comes to planning for future success.

If you need additional insights on building a talented technology team in today’s market, talk to the knowledgeable staff at The MindFinders. As one of the leading IT staffing agencies in the Washington DC area, we offer a robust supply of quality candidates. Connect with us at your earliest convenience.

Written by Tim Booker, President and CEO of MindFinders, with over 20 years of industry experience.