by Crystal DeGoede*

The “Trophy Generation” also known as Millennials (born between 1980 and 2000) have possibly figured it out…the majority of young professional women, like myself, believe they will have gratifying careers balanced with fulfilling personal lives, according to research released by Accenture’s Millennial Women Workplace Success Index. 

The Accenture’s Millennial Women Workplace Success Index results are generated from an online survey of 1,000 millennial women, ranging in age from 22-35, who are employed full-time in the United States. (In the U.S., women will soon comprise half the workforce and Millennials are now one-third of the working population.)

Since most Millennials have that “can-do” attitude about responsibilities at work and look for feedback about how they are doing frequently – sometimes daily – Millennials want a variety of tasks and challenges and expect that they will accomplish every one of them. Positive and confident, Millennials are ready to take on the world.  (As a Millennial, I agree completely with this. If I am not challenged every day at work I end up getting bored, and I feeling as though I haven’t contributed anything.)

The study goes on to say that, Millennials need to see where their career is going and they want to know exactly what they need to do to get there. Two primary qualities as key to workplace success: the ability to balance personal and professional lives and a job where they can make a difference. And, since we are use to balancing several activities such as teams, friends, school, and part-time jobs we want flexibility in scheduling and a life away from work.

Some drivers of workplace success for Millenials:

1. Medical benefits
2. Good work atmosphere
3. Open and honest communication with supervisors
4. Flexible hours
5. Classes and training for professional advancement
6. Secure employment
7. A workplace that encourages work/personal life balance
8. Opportunities for bonus and investments
9. Close to home/short commute

Three major factors for career success

1. Doing the type of work you want to do
2. Able to successfully balance work and life
3. Being compensated at the level you think you deserve

However, what is most important to Millenials and their success?  66 percent cited family life, compared to 29 percent who cited career success.  Millennial women choose quality of life over the perks of a job. 

“In pursuing both a satisfying career and personal life, Millennial women will benefit from setting priorities and regularly monitoring both their progress along the way,” said LaMae Allen deJongh, Managing Director, U.S. Human Capital and Diversity, Accenture.

Almost half (46 percent) of Millennial women surveyed said they would be willing to give up some of their salary if it meant spending more time on personal life, while slightly more than half (54 percent) said they would be willing to give up time spent on their personal life for more income.  On average, women seeking more time have somewhat higher incomes and are willing to forego 15 percent of their income, while respondents willing to sacrifice time want a 32 percent increase in salary.

 Do you think the mentality of other generations is the same as the Millenials? If you were born before 1980 what is your driver for work/life balance?  Do you consider family life the most important to being successful? Would you be willing to take a salary cut in order to have more personal time? Please share your thoughts with the readers of BurrellesLuce Fresh Ideas.

*Bio: After graduating from East Carolina University with a Marketing degree in 2005, Crystal DeGoede moved to New Jersey. In her four years as a member of the BurrellesLuce marketing team and through her interaction with peers and clients she has learned what is important or what it takes to develop a career when you are just starting out. She is passionate about continuing to learn about the industry in which we serve and about her career path. By engaging readers on Fresh Ideas Crystal hopes to further develop her social media skills and inspire other “millennials” who are just out of college and/or working in the field of marketing and public relations. Twitter: @cldegoede LinkedIn: Crystal DeGoede Facebook: BurrellesLuce