In a time when all we hear are complaints about how watered down the education system in America is, in can’t be that surprising that Millennials have A averages. Couple the increasing GPA with barely changes “admission” standards and I am not surprised in the least bit by facts 1 and 2. What are the standardized test scores? What are the GPA’s of those graduating college? Just because they got into college with A averages, doesn’t mean they are leaving with A averages to enter the work force.

However despite my gripes with the first 2 facts, I could not agree more with fact 3… and the response companies should have. As anyone in HR can tell you, Noak’s Ark is finding a way to engage the employee and tap discretionary effort. And just like Noah’s Ark many people will tell you they have found it, but it can never be proven scientifically and is all a matter of faith. What you have in the Millennials however is a group telling you how to engage them. Viewing their message boards, social network groups, it is clear to see that involvement and engagement is highly important to them, yet most companies ignore the writing on the “wall”. As a Millennial I know I first traded salary for 1) Daily challenge 2) High level, high value experience. However, this is only a short term proposition for companies as Millennials are impatient if they feel undervalued. So unlike any generational group previous, employers have to keep up the effort even after hiring or risk losing talent.

Good post!

Cheers!