Empowerment Issue January 2018 | Page 13

MADETOLEAD ance in the presence of differences. “The key to kicka** communication is ‘understanding.’ Working hard to spare your judgment in favor of focusing on solutions, action, and empathy.” “[Millennials] believe inclusion is the support for a collaborative environ- ment that values open participation from individuals with different ideas and perspectives and the unique factors that contribute to their personalities and behaviors,” ac- cording to the Deloitte analysis. GESCHE HAAS, DREAMY HUMANS inspiration could attract a millennial buyer. Think about the technology, tools, apparel and accessories mil- lennials are using on their Health & Wellness journeys. According to the Goldman Sachs re- port, year-over-year sales growth of athletic apparel and footwear brands among millennials went from 1% in 2008 to 14% in 2013. It’s important not to confuse Health & Wellness as a hobby or pastime for us; it’s a way of life. Making this distinction will be helpful to employers, businesses, marketers, investors and many more in the long-run. The analysis points out that identity, experiences, ideas, opinions, and thoughts are important to millenni- als. In inclusive work environments that celebrate diversity in this way, millennials are more empowered and engaged. The analysis showed “It’s professionally unsettling, and not a confidence boost, for someone of color to look around and not see anyone else who looks like them.” RYAN WILLIAMS, JOPWELL The Workplace Our generation is touted for its cultur- al diversity. According to Nielsen’s re- cent research, 42% of U.S. Millennials are of African-American, Asian-Amer- ican and Hispanic heritage. Our natu- ral appreciation for cultural diversity has spilled into the workplace, as millennials are now 18 years old or older. We will comprise nearly 75% of the workforce by 2025, according to Deloitte’s analysis, “The Millennial Influence: The Radical Transformation of Diversity and Inclusion.” And, it’s not just culture, race or ethnicity that we use as metrics for diversity. Gender, sexuality, values and many more nuances are factored into what we consider diverse spaces, especially workplaces. We find bal- that 81% of millennials are more true to themselves and authentic when they believe an organization fosters an inclusive culture. As we become the majority of the workforce and its leadership roles, inclusion will become a reality and not a buzz word. Connection and collaboration will fully replace atti- tudes of tolerance and equity. Collaborative Consumption There’s a meme circulating right now that says, “2016: Lemons 2017: Lemonade 2018: Lemonade Stand.” It’s quintessentially millen- made-magazine.com | 13