Learning Preferences of Millennials in R & D Work Environment in the It Industry

As collective generation workforce evolves at workplace, the learning formula must be modernised. Organizations need to create ecosystem that offers diverse learning modalities and appeal to contemporaries. By tailor making the training and development strategies, organizations may be successful in attracting and retaining millennial employees. The purpose of this quantitative study was to understand the learning preferences of millennial employees in IT industry R & D work environment. The study was conducted during December 2019 to March 2020 at a major IT organization in Bangalore, India. It is centred on two research questions: What learning practices increase the productivity and performance of millennials; and what organizational training and development programs engage and motivate millennials at the workplace? A survey was conducted and fifty-one millennial employees responded to it over email. Data collected was grouped and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) to test research hypothesis. The findings indicated that the training programs that upskill millennials can significantly improve their job productivity and performance. It revealed that millennials prefer web-based learning, look for opportunities to work on live projects, case studies and appreciate a culture of experimenting and risk taking on the job. It also goes to say that millennials expect to jumpstart their career with the help of a mentor and prefer to engage with colleagues and industry experts at work place and social media platforms. The results of this study would significantly aid team leaders, project managers, R & D heads, HR and training managers in the organization to engage millennial employees more effectively and maximize employee learning and development. The research findings provide various insights to tailor-make the HR strategies in IT R & D organization for better performance and results