"The millennials are coming," a cry we've been hearing for years, has finally come true.  Recently, the number of millennials in the labor market surpassed the other generations to become the single largest segment in the workforce. For years the boomers, Xers and Ys have been preparing for this take over – analyzing, and in some cases criticizing, every aspect of the new generation. 

These 75.4 million individuals will represent more than 40% of the nation's workforce by the year 2020, and are currently occupying many middle and senior leadership positions across industries. Often seen by boomers as impatient for promotion, dependent on praise, shocked by criticism and not prepared to make the effort required for career success, these 19- to 34-year-olds are more often than not the product of boomer parents. Raised with eighth place trophies and multiple graduation ceremonies before they reach first grade, it's no surprise they expect a corner office and six figure salary right out of college.

However, millennials today are vital to the success of the organizations they work for. The diversity of thought and behavior that millennials bring is, for the most part, a positive. They are regarded as the most educated generation and sophisticated consumers, and bring a natural acumen for technology and high moral and ethical standards. All of which are valuable traits in an employee. So what do they want in a work environment and how can we satisfy them?