The classic 9-to-5 workday never really sat right with me, and it turns out that quite a few of my college friends felt the same way. Talking about sitting in an office, working for eight hours, is actually not necessarily as productive as we used to think.
For a few of us, the morning was our golden hour; for others, productivity peaked later in the day. It became exhausting to report in the same fashion every single day.
And we are not alone in this thought. More and more millennials want to just work when they choose.
Read on for 8 reasons why the millennials are leaving the 9-to-5 traditional work hours.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Flexibility in Scheduling
A flexible work schedule suits millennials as it allows them to balance their own natural rhythms, along with their personal lives. How early or late you start your day depends on when you are most active.
The best times may vary and some might work better at night. This freedom can reduce stress and help to handle family duties and personal interests in addition to their jobs.
Remote Work Opportunities
Remote work has proven that many jobs are very easily portable. Millennials are running away from their usual 9–5 jobs toward more remote opportunities, freeing them from the long commute.
This not only saves time and transportation costs but also offers a more relaxed and comfortable work atmosphere. Most of us (myself included) are more efficient and productive working from a coffee shop or at home.
Focus on Results, Not Hours
Thousands of millennials just want to get the job done and not care about how much time they need to clock in. This means that they care more about the results and work output, rather than hours spent in an office.
Now, a new focus has been born: to be efficient and creative in order to get the job done by whatever means necessary, as opposed to just showing up at work from 9-5.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Many millennials have an in-built entrepreneur within them and wish to start their own business or passion project. People really value a flexible job that allows them to work in their pajamas and be out of the office on Fridays, while exploring all areas of interest.
As a result, more and more are turning to side hustles or freelance gigs that cater better to their own personal skills and interests, in order to establish some control over their working life. Under this entrepreneurial mindset, creativity and innovation breed as well.
Technological Advancements
Through smart technology, almost every task can now be done from any device. Millennials are digital natives and find it comfortable to use workspace flexibility tools like Zoom or Slack.
Plus, with the project management & collaboration apps available these days, millennials easily adjust themselves into various work environments and working types, thanks to their tech savvy behavior.
Focus on Mental Health
More and more millennials are putting their mental health first, which is not easy when the traditional work hours often feel suffocating or just categorically stressful.
Many are more interested in a balanced work schedule that allows them to take breaks, practice self-care or even go to therapy during their flexible hours.
Community and Collaboration
Millennials value collaboration and community in the workplace. They love working in environments that foster teamwork and innovation, something which can be difficult to find when work is rigidly scheduled from 9-to-5.
Team-building, spontaneous brainstorming, group work and social work are also possible during flexible hours. These can strengthen relationships and foster a supportive work culture.
Emphasis on Lifelong Learning
Millennials value a great deal of personal growth. For them, learning is a lifetime process, not an endgame.
They encourage themselves to learn new skills, either by taking online courses or attending workshops and mentorship programs. Traditional 9 to 5 work hours leave only a little space for such development.
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