Young professionals are transforming the workplace

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The millennial generation of workers has such different expectations and mindsets that it will influence the way everyone works. Companies need to manage people differently, and older workers will have to learn from their younger colleagues.

The millennials are firmly set on doing their own thing, according to recent research. They want flexibility over when, where and what they wear to work, and of course they want their job to be sociable and fun. In a survey of millennials by MTV, 81% thought they should be allowed to make their own hours. And they're not cowed by the old hierarchical corporate structures - over three-quarters (76%) thought their boss could learn a lot from them.

Generation Ys focus on doing their own thing should not be confused with lack of ambition. South African millennials are much like their global counterparts in their approach to work, technology, collaboration and motivation.

However, many of them differ from their global counterparts in that they have emerged from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and have to learn a different social etiquette as well as having to carry the responsibility of supporting extended family members.

Launching own business

Today's young workers also have a conspicuous can-do attitude. They're familiar with twenty something dotcom millionaires, and they know they can launch their own business empire with just a laptop and an internet connection. So they're freelancing, moonlighting, biding their time in a regular job or contract until they can go out on their own. 72% of young desk freelancers want to quit their regular job to work only for themselves.

In such a world, employers have to be more flexible. If younger workers are motivated by the desire to work at times and places that suit them, managers should let them do it, giving them the option to work at convenient drop-in workspaces, business centres and lounges - as long as they produce the required output and results. 72% of businesses globally say that flexible working leads to increased productivity and 68% of South Africans say it helps employees generate additional revenues, so giving the millennials the freedom they desire can benefit the bottom line.

Back in 2011, Regus research showed that 81% of companies worldwide were offering a level of choice about where and when they work. But four out of ten businesses said only senior staff were sufficiently trusted to have the option of flexible working.

If those enterprises haven't already opened up flexible working practices to their more junior and younger staff in the intervening two years, they may face staff recruitment and retention problems in future.

Interest in entrepreneurship

Another characteristic of the millennials is their interest in entrepreneurship. They're more likely than older workers to see it as 'entirely good' (57% versus 47%). But for all their go-getting spirit, the fact remains that entrepreneurship is challenging. Millennial entrepreneurs will need support - mentoring, networking opportunities, help with red tape, access to finance, perhaps the chance to pursue their projects under the umbrella of their current employer.

Many of today's young start-ups are easing into business, living at home with parents or working from student housing - a fifth of freelancers are still at university. But as they grow, they may need to step up to business premises - often a pain point for start-ups, as it uses up working capital or locks them into high fixed overheads.

Virtual offices and flexible workplaces will ease the millennials' transition from freelancer or bedroom entrepreneur to fledgling business owners. They can gain a good business address and the option to use meeting rooms and workspace without having to commit capital upfront or take on fixed leases. They can outsource much of the work of managing and staffing the office, cut down on paperwork, and keep the freedom they believe is so important.