Before you start blowing off a millennial and coming up with reasons why they’re not “fit” for the traditional workplace, you must ponder over the fact that they have a lot of great qualities too. They may not have the tolerance or patience for– baloney (they would change that word to another starting with a b), lack work ethics, and have a tendency to zone out into fantasy land (or maybe their phones). However, it’s safe to say that their strengths often make up for their weaknesses. And let’s face it, every generation has them!
Millennials are go-doers. They are star-reaching geniuses that have passion and dreams in mind before they head off to a workplace. They value job fulfillment over monetary rewards and social welfare over selfish desires.
Despite their plentiful competencies, we are here to discuss how Millennials are still making mistakes in the workplace. Millennials, watch out for these workplace bloopers!
- Punctuality Blooper: We get it. You may have partied last night and then overslept. Your bosses aren’t as lifeless as you may think, because they may have done the same over the weekend and they’re still up and ready, fresh for more work. Tardiness is simply unacceptable in a professional environment, and in some workplaces, it could be a reason to “dismiss” an employee. A good worker is one with strong work ethics, and punctuality is number one on the list.
- Not Understanding The Dress Code: Millennials have a much more laid back attitude compared to the Gen X, who they may label an “uptight lot”. Office work ethics require appropriate dressing as well. This means that if you’re wearing something you’d wear to your best friend’s house, or to a teenage party, don’t wear that to work. Just don’t.
- Complaining and Whining: If you’re complaining to your boss about something you feel isn’t being done right, that’s okay. However, if you’re complaining about regular routine work that everyone seems to be doing without anyproblems, you wouldn’t be the best employee if you go on whining about little issues in the workplace. If your boss is the second person or the third person (or worse, the 5th person) to hear what someone overheard what you said to a co-worker about the “way he overdoes something”, let’s just say he won’t be pleased to hear this.
- Thinking The Workplace Is Like School: A workplace may feel a lot like a school in many ways (attending class on time, tolerating tough profs, and the pressure to do your projects on time). Except school is simply a training ground, and the workplace is reality. There are rewards and there are punishments that could impact your entire career. Try not to get too comfortable in the workplace and forget the big picture. You are here to work, act like a professional, and build a meaningful career.
Not Knowing Who’s “Boss”: Unlike the loyal, submissive Gen X, Millennials like to be incharge of themselves. This can, at times, give them a sense of fake superiority and entitlement at the workplace. This is a huge mistake because every supervisor demands some amount of respect which, due to their experience and professionalism, may be well-deserved. If you’re new in the workplace, you may have some great ideas to bring in, but that doesn’t mean you start acting like a know-it-all. Accept the fact that you’re in a new place and still learning “how things roll” in the place. Once you’ve earned your rightful title and respect, then maybe you could try and influence the way things are run.
AUTHOR BIO
James Thompson is an experienced writer having a diversified expertise in education, career and technology based writing. He provides consulting for Instant Essay.