When you say we can't do it, we will do it twice & take pictures!

You may have heard a lot about the characteristics of millennials in the workplace; the terms "entitled," "lazy, "not willing to compromise" and "disloyal job-hoppers" often come to mind. But, research supports the idea that millennials are not so different than Gen X, at least when it comes to what they want and expect from their work.

It has become fashionable to trash millennials. They lack a strong work ethic, have no grit, aren't respectful or patient, think they know best and definitely don't understand corporate culture. I honestly don't know whether Gen X is exasperated with sharing the spotlight or reminiscing about their yester-years to the point where they don't want to let go, but I think the stereotype is wrong—dead wrong.

What makes Gen Y impressive?

It's only a start to be open-minded and understand a Millennial, it's more important to accept their way of life and beliefs. If it comes to a point where you cannot accept it, the least you can do is respect it.

Have you ever wondered, could they, instead, be among the first to understand the fitting role of work in life — and end up remaking work for everyone else? Millennials or Gen Y are the most diverse generation in global history. From race and religion to gender and sexuality, they've come of age with a greater comfort of diversity of all kinds. Imagine how that translates in the workplace. The payoffs touch every single area of a business by opening the doors to increased creativity, agility, productivity, new attitudes and updated vocabulary, a more global understanding, new solutions to difficult problems, stronger customer and employee loyalty, and improved employee recruitment and retention.

They have a drastically different outlook on what they expect from their employment experience. They are well educated, progressive, skilled in technology, self-reliant, able to multi-task, have plenty of energy and are everyday change-makers. They have high expectations for themselves, and prefer to work in teams, rather than as individuals. Millennials seek challenges yet work life balance is of utmost importance to them. They do, however, realize that their need for social interaction, immediate results in their work, and desire for speedy advancement may be seen as weaknesses by older colleagues.

Millennials know the trick!

The age-old strategy of 'tearing the person down just to build them again' does not work well with our gen. We expect seniors in positions of authority to be transparent, clear and direct.

This gen. seeks honest, in-the-moment feedback. Not only do they wish to receive it, but they also expect to give it. Feedback has become a two-way street. They want to know that they've done a good job, and they want to know now. Feedback must also be given in such a way that millennials are receptive. Not only are timing and frequency important, but the way in which feedback is framed and delivered is key. Millennials might be less impressed by the size and longevity of a business and more by its positive reputation. Now let's get down to the traditional management model that is still dominating the market today but is not relevant or relatable today. The model of the unreachable manager who stays in the shadows while their team does the work is counterproductive. The manager who always complains and mopes around is even more so. People need to feel that they're being trusted and valued, and that you have a genuine interest in helping them develop and improve.

Don't be afraid to be persuaded by a good line of reasoning, even if you're the final decision-maker and this feedback comes from people who report to you. Have an open-door policy to give them freedom to discuss anything - ideas, thoughts, feedback, criticisms, complaints, aspirations, gossip, frustrations etc. They need to know that you are more than just a superior/manager, you are also their buddy that will stand by them, no matter what the cost. It is a hard-fast rule that if you want the best performance and high productivity from your Gen Now team members, you must invest in them personally and not just professionally. Do not be patronizing or preachy, you will lose regard and respect in the eyes of the person. Salaries and titles are no longer the defining feature to attract the best people from this demographic. Work isn't seen as something you can leave at the door. By understanding and adapting to the culture of today's workforce; by responding to their needs, businesses can remain not only competitive but also relevant.

The new generation is settling in with grace too.

While the new generation receives a lot of flak for not accepting traditional working methods, they're the only generation speaking and fighting for balance.

On the other hand, millennials take more senior positions and are gradually conquering the workspace, they're also reshaping expectations around personal life.

Millennials are turning away from the traditional five-day work week. And with the technology readily available to support it, remote and flexible working isn't seen as a privilege — it's a requirement. People are accustomed to being 'always on' and setting their own parameters around how and when they work.

For Gen Y, work is a thing, not a place.

They have proven the model that you don't need to be in the office from 9am to 5pm to be effective.

This generation is single-handedly paving the way for the entire work force to do their jobs remotely and flexibly. Technology is a big reason for the change. The youngest people entering the work force don't remember a time when people weren't always reachable, so they don't see why they would need to sit in an office to work.

Another reason young people are asking for more flexibility is that they're marrying and having children later, so they're more invested in their careers by the time they do and have more leverage to ask for what they need. Instead, it's about shaping their jobs in ways that fit with their daily lives. If you're doing the work and doing it well, it doesn't matter if you're doing it at 9 a.m. or 2 p.m." But employees say that when they're not forced to slice life from work, they work more, and more efficiently.

Quality of work matters more than quality of time spent.

All generations can benefit from a better understanding of the lens through which each generation views the world.

But managers who have developed successful strategies for retaining Gen X are going to have to put those strategies in the corporate archives. Creating strategies to engage millennials requires a whole different approach.

Millennials taught themselves digital skills during their teenage years. Unlike previous generations, millennials don't subscribe to the idea of standing in line. They see the solution to a longer working life as continuous skills development. A stiff environment that offers no shortcuts or room for improved practices presents a frustration for Millennials. Is your organisation truly open to change and transformation?

Better work environment holds greater value compared to jumping titles.

Today's job seekers have grown up with a startup mindset.

The value of embracing failure has been etched into their psyche by entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. So, unlike past generations, they are not necessarily looking for stability. They don't dream of landing a job at Infosys or IBM. They approach positions with the understanding that they may have to put in 110% to succeed, even with the certainty that their employer won't be around five years from now. In contrast to the concept of entitlement attached to millennials. It's true that many Gen X parents have raised them with a perspective of possibility and have been encouraged to follow their dreams. So, where some see entitlement, I see greater genuineness and fearlessness. Millennials will shoot for the stars—and if they fall down, they'll get right back up and try it a different way.

Therefore, instead of the ‘I have seen more life than them and knowing better’ attitude, how about trying a different approach and learning about today's way of life from the generation that dominates it?