Millennials are our future in the workplace. According to an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by the Pew Research Center, millennials are the fastest-growing generation the workplace today. This group of adults ranging in ages from 18 to 35 in 2015 has surpassed Generation X in the workforce.

A UNC Kenan-Flyer Business School wrote a white paper in 2012 on "Maximizing Millennials in the Workplace." This white paper found millennials are the most diverse generation, as well as optimistic and achievement-oriented, and the most educated generation in U.S. history.

"The sheer volume of millennials, combined with the relative lack of Gen Xers and the increasing retirement of baby boomers means that employers will be facing leadership gaps," the researchers found.

With this background in mind, how can an organization use this to its advantage in the ever-changing workplace landscape?

Opportunity

There is much potential in the millennial generation. We need to do more than plant them in a chair at a desk and walk away. We need to be able to harness the strengths the millennials bring.

According to a study done by PWC, millennials are more numerous than the soon-to-retire baby boomer generation. Millennials already comprise 25 percent of the U.S. workforce, and by 2020 they are projected to be 50 percent of the global workforce.

The PWC study reflects that millennials' use of technology sets them apart from other generations. They have grown up with technology, and this is the "first generation to enter the workplace with a better grasp of key business tool than more senior workers."

It is more imperative than ever that we be able to attract millennials and keep them in an organization. One way is to offer "digital technologies as an unprecedented opportunity for creativity," according to the PWC study.

Culture

In order to keep millennials working at an organization, the leadership must start to look at the culture of the organization more differently. Millennals have a different skill set, due to their technical prowess, which can be of great advantage to an organization.

Offer them flexibility in work schedules, give feedback and have open communications. Encourage creativity and have a more relaxed and flexible culture. This will help keep millennials engaged, and they will stay longer in an organization.

Coaching and mentoring

Like any other generation, millennials want to learn and grow within an organization. Offer them opportunities for learning so they can remain competitive.

Leadership can formulate special projects on which millennials can work that still fit within the mission and culture of the organization. Provide on-the-job training, train the trainer, etc., within the organization.

Coaching and mentoring programs will go along way in retaining millennials. Millennials like the team approach, and this type of collaboration will bring about good results. Make sure to provide them leadership opportunities, and this will facilitate both growth for the millennial and the organization.

Finally, human resource departments should formulate policies and procedures that will help attract and retain the millennial generation. The future of business must be able to reflect this new reality.

The millennial generation is here to stay. It is in the best interest of an organization to help facilitate an environment for all generations to not only work together, but also to grow together.