Among the many ways we mischaracterize Millennials is by portraying them as obsessed with video games, spacing out, and avoiding reality while they text, tweet, and play. Many employers complain that too many young Americans are simply not workforce ready, lacking both the technical and social skills to serve industry. I have surveyed employers all over the United States and I have studied Millennials for over a decade.
Closer to reality is the growing disconnect between what many employers expect and what Millennials are prepared to deliver. And I have to admit, after observing both sides, I end up warning employers much more. I have spoken to national and local chambers of commerce, school, health, manufacturing, and NGO associations and my message to employers is always the same: the most dangerous words you can utter are "we are going to continue to do things the way we have always done them." They must deal with tectonic change not only within their own sectors but in the world around them. And among those huge changes is the presence of a new age cohort who simply see things and do things differently, want to be productive and learn, and bring new approaches to problem-solving and team production. Millennials need to be embraced rather than simply shoe-horned to conform.
A Zogby Analytics poll conducted in late May/early June among 1,019 18-34 year old smart phone users offers some unique insight into understanding the world of this age cohort. One important message that emerges is the great significance that video games play in the lives of young people.
In the Zogby poll, a majority of 18-34 year olds (57%) told us that they play video games at least three times a week. We wondered how important they feel that playing video games is to the development of several work and life skills. Two in three (67%) said it was important in helping them to learn how to create winning strategies. Seven in ten (70%) felt it aided them in learning how to solve problems. Almost two in three (63%) noted the importance of video in teaching them how to work smoothly and successful on a team. (70% of younger Millennials 18-24). Fifty-nine percent said these were a big part in helping them resolve conflicts (64% of the younger group). And two in three (66%) felt playing video games was vital to help them "understand new technologies that will be useful in life."
More than one in four (28%), including 37% of those 18-24, told us that they have a "second life" or "avatar" online.
Millennials are very different from the rest of us. What is key for those of us who will employ, work alongside, mentor, or just watch them is that we understand that there are already 76 million Americans born between 1979 and 1996. Barring any other calamitous event or game-changing moment, these First Globals will soon surpass Baby Boomers in sheer size along. They will be 30% of America's work force in a few years and 30% of the electorate in a little over a decade. Next time you see a young person engaging in social media or fixated on a video game, remember that that is probably exactly what he or she should be doing to prepare for the world of work in the 21st Century.
