Millennials, like it or not, are used to little-to-no boundaries. This may seem like a bad thing, but if understood – can be an asset to businesses. Most traditional employers require an 8-5 workday with a 30-60 minute lunch and occasional 15 minute breaks, depending on state requirements. But if you haven’t noticed by now, times are changing. Corporations have to break out of the mindset that “butt in chair = productivity” if they want to remain necessary and viable.

Studies have shown (a great one is by the Journal of Applied Psychology and published by the American Psychological Association here) that employees who are given more control over their work hours are more productive and have a greater overall personal and work satisfaction. This goes for telecommuters and anyone who works remotely.

Companies want productivity. Employees want flexibility. What companies haven’t all figured out yet is that Millennials want accountability too. They’re not looking for a free ride, working out of sight of their employer so they can sleep late and take a two hour lunch. They want to be held accountable for their productivity so they can be acknowledged and rewarded for it. But they also want the flexibility they’re use to in order to accomplish this production. This generation works all hours of the day, taking calls and texts in the middle of a dinner party or worse. So, work with that and you may be amazed at what you get in return. Companies want to be “guaranteed” as much productivity as possible. As long as the company sets clear expectations for production, Millennials will be more than happy to meet or exceed those expectations given they have the flexibility to do it.

I’m no psychologist, but I believe Gen Yers are willing to meet or exceed what’s expected of them because they live to be the best. It’s what they were taught growing up. They’re all striving to be the “Tiger Woods” of their own niche. They want to be the best and brightest in their field. However, they don’t want to be forced or coerced into doing it. Give them some direction on expectations and the flexibility and space (which to them is ultimately seen as respect) they want and you will be amazed at how much they can produce.