Not so keen to hire millennials in the workplace? Think again. By 2015, 75% of world’s employees will belong to this controversial group, also known as Generation Y (see also: awesome people).

There are plenty of famous and successful millennials: Mark Zuckerberg, Jennifer Lawrence, and Jenna Marbles, for example. But that’s certainly not all.

Millennials all over the world have a lot to bring to the table…perhaps more than any previous generation.

As Individuals:

1. They’re intrinsically motivated

Millennials aren’t just there out of necessity. In fact, 65% of them say that personal development is the most important factor in their careers.

They want to learn, and they want to grow. They’re intrinsically motivated to succeed. The paycheck isn’t the important thing here–they will succeed because they want to, and because it’s important to them.

2. They’re cost-effective

Speaking of money, millennials don’t need much of it. They’re cheaper to have as employees, since work is often motivation enough for them. Earlier generations, such as the baby boomers, were willing to trade happiness and passion for a big fat paycheck.

Gen Y, on the other hand, is willing to settle with smaller salaries in exchange for flexibility, personal recognition, and happiness, so you can technically pay them less to get quality work. (Though as a millennial myself, I implore you not to…)

3. They’re genuine

You know those annoying brown-nosers who suck up to the boss, secretly hoping that their time will come to have all the power? Yeah, that’s not what millennials are about.

According to Psychology Today, millennials are more genuine. They thrive on being judged by their performance, and they respect those with experience rather than power. They prefer “inclusive” leadership styles–bosses that appreciate them for their hard work (no brown-nosing needed).

4. They’re driven

Over half of millennials deeply value the ability to progress in their career and are more attracted to careers where they know they have room to be given more responsibilities. This means that they won’t just do their jobs mindlessly; they’re driven and deeply invested in the work they do. They will give you their all in order to prove that they are capable.

5. They think outside the box

Living in an ever-changing world, millennials are a creative bunch. They’re constantly thinking of new ideas and are willing to think outside the box (hello, strangely-combined liberal arts degrees!).

6. They’re super educated

Speaking of degrees, most millennials have one. In fact, millennials are the most educated generation yet! (Though unfortunately in the most student loan debt as well…)

As Part of the Team:

7. They collaborate

Many think of this generation as having a “me first” attitude, but that’s simply not so. In fact, in the office, other generations were dubbed “The Me Generation(s)”–but millennials have been graced as “The We Generation”. Millennials are generally great with teamwork and collaboration, as long as it helps them create the best work.

8. They’re tenacious

Millennials are often known to be impatient, wanting everything right away (after all, it’s the generation that has grown up with any piece of information at their fingertips with the advent of the World Wide Web). However, this makes millennials tenacious in the workplace, constantly working towards finding answers and getting things done as soon as possible.

9. They’re optimistic

Despite the not-so-stellar economy we’re experiencing, millennials are the most optimistic generation yet. They’re always looking on the bright side, sure that they will be able to make it in whatever ventures they take. This generation is less jaded than previous generations, believing that they are capable of anything.

10. They value your feedback

Millennials need acceptance. They need to feel validated. Many view this as a negative, but this can be a great thing in the workplace. Millennials need feedback, and they will listen to the constructive criticism you give them and use it to constantly better themselves.

11. They are flexible

As Forbes staff writer Caleb Melby highlights, “We are taught to think that if something has been a certain way for very long, there’s a possibility that it’s no longer good enough.” We are constantly working against stagnation and towards new ways of thought. That also makes Gen Y very flexible and used to change. We roll with the punches.

With Technology:

12. They’ve grown up with it

I remember the first time using a computer. However, it was so long ago that I barely remember it. Millennials have grown up with computers. We were the first generation to have computer classes in elementary school. We are the first generation that has had technology be a major part of our lives for…well…our whole lives. Technology is only becoming bigger in the workplace, and it’s important to have tech-savvy workers.

13. They’re the best at social media

Millennials are known for constantly being on their phones. They’re Tweeting, they’re Facebooking, they’re Pinning, they’re Tumbling. (Is that the word for using Tumblr? I’m more of a Pinterest gal.)

Millennials have also grown up with social media, and they understand it better than any generation ever has. They also understand the potential it has to spread awareness and information. After all, social media is their life.

In The World:

14. They’re ethical

As more millennials enter the workforce, it’s likely that more good will be done in the world. That is, half of Gen Y thinks it’s essential to work for a company that is ethical. They’ve got their hearts in the right place.

15. They’re charitable

Millennials are also very enthusiastic about donating to charities, volunteering their time, and being active in their communities. Firstly, the more people like this in the world, the better. But as an employer, hire a millennial, and you’re hiring someone who will serve as a great face for your company.

16. They care about the bigger picture

Millennials are able to see what really matters. They believe that success of a business isn’t defined by finances alone, but how the business has improved society.

Generation Y is looking to change not only the office space, but the world as we know it.

And they absolutely will.

Featured photo credit: _MG_9622/meckert via flickr.com