Times are changing, and the Canadian nonprofit sector is quickly becoming an intergenerational mix of professionals of varying levels of experience and education. With Canada’s bulge of baby boomers approaching retirement, these future vacancies — and the future of our nonprofit organizations — leave Generation X and Generation Y (aka “Millennials”) no choice but to collaborate to construct a new landscape for our nonprofit workforce.

This new reality requires an intergenerational understanding and a commitment to cooperate in order to fulfill the missions of our nonprofit organizations. In the spirit of mutual support, we Millennials offer the following thoughts as insights into our generation.

Top ten ways to motivate Millennials

1. Be upfront. Articulate the mission and how we fit into the big picture.
2. Walk the walk. We learn well by example and value reciprocity.
3. Connect our passion to the cause. Listen to our interests and draw on our enthusiasm.
4. Inclusivity is key. When we are part of the decision-making we invest ourselves more.
5. Empower, not overpower. When you delegate, check in but do not micromanage.
6. Trust in our ability to succeed. We can be incredibly resourceful, and your demonstrated confidence in our capacity is extremely encouraging.
7. Mentor us. You, too, should know our answer to “where do you want to be in three years?” and help us get there.
8. Give prompt feedback. When performance is not up to par, say so, do not wait until the next scheduled performance evaluation.
9. Promote and provide professional development. We love to explore, learn and develop, which will benefit both us and the organization.
10. Support work-life balance. We can be flexible with initiatives requiring more work time so long as we achieve an overall equilibrium with personal time.

Top ten worthy conversations to have with Millennial staff

1. What do you value in a career? (i.e. independence, professional development, job security)
2. What do you want to get out of your role?
3. What motivates you to do your best?
4. What do you think you could do better?
5. What can I do to support you better?
6. What do you see as your contribution to the organization, community, sector and society?
7. What are your future goals and plans?
8. What do you do for fun, and what did you do last weekend?
9. What kind of challenge are you looking for?
10. Where do you want to be in three, five or ten years?

Top ten misleading labels for Millennials

1. Not loyal — will jump from one organization to the next.
2. No regard for authority.
3. Attention deficit — unable to focus.
4. Unprofessional and unable to separate work and social life.
5. Idealistic self-perception (i.e. we can save the world).
6. Lazy — do not know what “real” work is.
7. Cannot exist without technology.
8. Only in it for the money.
9. Too selfish to consider the greater good.
10. Poor writing skills — cannot write a sentence greater than 140 characters.

Noting the uniqueness of the Millennial generation as outlined briefly in the lists above, there are still many intergenerational nuances to be explored as we enter this demographic shift in the workforce. In the upcoming era, the characteristic differences between generations will unfold as the Canadian nonprofit sector enters a new chapter in its development.

However, just as our differences will become clearer, so will the similarities between our generations. As a closing thought, we leave you with our ideas on just how similar we may actually be.

Top ten reasons Millennials are just like you

1. We value traditions.
2. We seek belonging, both socially and professionally.
3. We are career-driven.
4. We take pride in our work.
5. We value friendships and relationships.
6. We want to see the world.
7. We seek respect.
8. We value democracy.
9. We seek out role models.
10. We strive to leave the world better than when we first found it.

About The Authors:

John Grant (@SFUalumni), Manager of Alumni Relations at Simon Fraser University, interacts on a daily basis with Millennials, Gen Xers and Gen Ys through various social media platforms.

Candy Ho is the Manager of Student Life at Simon Fraser University, who oversees student development programming for Millennials and is responsible for engaging them throughout their post-secondary career.

Aaron Sanderson, Philanthropy Officer at BC Children?s Hospital Foundation, is a millennial who is seriously addicted to the nonprofit sector as a professional fundraiser and volunteer.