Millennials: Industrious, idealistic and in control

Illustration by Komnieve Singh

Illustration by Komnieve Singh

Millennials are now the majority. This year, the 18-to 34-year-old millennial generation (or Gen Y) is set to overtake Baby Boomers as the largest living generation, with 75.3 million versus 74.9 million Boomers, according to Pew. They are also the largest generational group in the workforce.

If you run a startup, chances are you’ve encountered the new millennial worker.

The generation can be divisive. Critics say that over-nurturing helicopter parents have created a coddled group of young people who expect a trophy just for participating. Even admirers often question their penchant for groupthink, and find its members’ need for constant feedback curious.

I choose to like it. Having worked with millennials for several years now, I admire their sense of purpose, perspective and work ethic. However, in order for startups to fully harness this generation’s strengths, employers need to approach millennials differently from other employees.

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Silicon Valley’s Unchecked Arrogance