If you are 18-33, you are used to being called a Millennial, and are likely tired of being “pigeonholed” into certain characteristics and stereotypes. Well, now the Pew Research Center has done extensive research on people in the Millennial generation, and that will free Millennials from stereotypes and help the rest of us learn how to bridge gaps when working and communicating across the generations.

Millennials Snapshot

• Racially diverse
• Linked by social media
• Burdened by debt
• Distrustful of people
• Optimistic about the future
• Digital natives

Because of their racial diversity, Millennials tend to have a low level of social trust, which impacts their personal and professional effectiveness and relationships. They also are detached from institutions that preceding generations have depended upon to structure their lives, such as religion or political stance. Still, they have a generally favorable view of business, and are more upbeat about America’s future, with 49% of Millennials saying the country’s best years are ahead, a view held by 42% of Gen Xers, and 44% of Boomers.

In fact, just 19% of Millennials say most people can be trusted, compared with 31% of Gen Xers, and 40% of Boomers. It’s no wonder we all have to work to build communication bridges among the generations!

What are you doing in your organization to fill these communication gaps? Imagine, if you could foster strong and collaborative relationships with much older and younger colleagues within your team, department, or organization. You could be opening up a new level of productivity and problem solving! As a matter of fact, according to the Pew Research Center, “The relative optimism of today’s young adults stands in contrast to the views of Boomers when they were about the same age as Millennials are now. In a 1974 Gallup survey, only about half of adults under the age of 30 said they had “quite a lot” of confidence in America’s future, compared with seven-in-ten of those ages 30 and older.”

Even thought Millennials may have to stretch more to connect with others, that tendency is balanced with their optimism and confidence about our future!

At EDSI, we have been resolving generational, employee development, leadership, professional presence, and personal effectiveness issues for over 30 years. Contact us to learn how we can help increase productivity and profits in your organization. Call info@edsiusa.com | 800-282-3374

 We deliver results-oriented training programs that increase productivity, effectiveness, & performance. Call 800.282.3374.