**5. Generation Y, aka millennials**

Millennials are those born between 1980 and 2000, depending on who you listen to. Millennials are now the largest generation since the Baby Boomers' population is shrinking. They are also estimated to make up 75% of the workforce by 2025 [1]. This generation has been shaped by parental excesses, computers, dramatic technological advances, and relative peace. They were raised with close parental involvement (the so-called "helicopter parents"). As children, they were showered with constant praise and therefore may be overly confident [11]. As a result, Millennials are "optimistic idealists." They value respect, being heard, and dedication, and they want leaders who display these qualities. Millennials hold steadfast to ideas or causes but not as much to people or employers. They value meaning and validation and wish to contribute positively to the world [2].

Due to having increased interaction with technology and less with people, words mean more to this group, and they are more idealistic than their predecessors [2]. Millennials desire a more balanced life than the Xers. They have been characterized as "demanding" because they have a high expectation of those in authority [2].

#### **5.1 For educators**

Millennials have grown up in an increasingly multicultural society and appreciate diversity. They grew up with technology, change, and political turmoil, so they are adept at going with the flow [1]. This makes them good at teamwork so that they may be more comfortable or adept at interprofessional education activities [11]. Because of significant digital communication, Millennials have grown up with, they have a short attention span [11], are used to things being clear and categorized, and prefer it that way. For example, an educator may be teaching a millennial something all day, but if the educator does not say, "I am going to be teaching you now," it could be possible that the point is missed entirely by the millennial since they may not realize what is happening. Using specific words to relay what is happening or what needs to be observed by the student allows for better understanding since it is made clear to the learner from the beginning [3].

Millennials tend to expect a quick return of information. For example, if a millennial sends a presentation to an educator via e-mail, they will expect an acknowledgment of receipt. They prefer digital communication rather than phone calls by far. Millennials can get anxious with calls as they interrupt their day. Communication via phone may be more reactive and does not allow for well-thought-out ideas. They are likely to return e-mails on the weekend or at night. They perceive e-mails as less urgent than texts [12]. Millennials also tend to be less formal in their communication and seek connectivity with their coworkers and boss outside work. This may be more difficult for older educators or teaching physicians since they were trained to keep professional boundaries, and social interaction may be seen as taboo. It is acceptable to continue to lay firm boundaries but be sure to make the reasoning clear with positive communication [3]. Millennials are accustomed to "coaching" or "parenting" styles of feedback along with a lot of encouragement [11]. As mentioned previously, they appreciate validation and knowing they are contributing to the betterment of the world. Therefore, their contributions should be openly acknowledged if they cannot see them for themselves. Also, feedback, especially negative, should be framed as helping to improve them for their future patients and the greater good [13].

#### **5.2 For learners**

It is essential for learners in this generation to consider the adage "know thyself." It is also important to understand where your educators are coming from. While Generation Y is likely to be more technologically advanced than their teachers due to exposure, they should understand that the generations before them did a lot more with a lot less of the technological advances that they had the opportunity to know. Millennials should try to respect the contribution of the older generations, just like they want them to respect theirs. If their teacher or clinical educator does not e-mail or text them back right away or accept an invitation to something after work, it does

not mean they are ignoring them. Older generations are more comfortable with a more distinct set of boundaries. However, if they do reach out to a millennial student by e-mail, text, or phone, they must think it is important, so the student should respond as soon as reasonable [3].

#### **5.3 For healthcare providers**

Perhaps because they are more technological-oriented and less people-oriented [2], they are the generation who is most likely NOT to heed their physician's advice [5]. However, they outspend baby boomers 2:1 on self-care [14]. Millennials are twice as likely as older generations to act on health advice they find online, believing that what they find online is as good as advice from a physician [15]. They expect to be able to communicate via technology for appointments, results, and consultations. Hence, they are unlikely to frequent an office that does not offer these [15]. Therefore, a provider should try to use these to communicate as well. Due to their exposure to technology, they tend to have short attention spans, so communication with them needs to be succinct and preferably dynamic [16]. It may also help to provide them with reputable websites so they can confirm or elaborate on the conversation with their provider.
