Large and powerful younger generations will shape our future. So, what do they care about and how can you reach them? Through her research, Dr. LeMay can provide answers to these questions. Younger individuals consume information in unique and predictable ways that differ from their parents. To get through to them, you need to not only understand how they consume information but what they care about. Younger generations are technologically savvy and consume content online. And they desire flexibility in all things - work schedules, information consumption, and how to complete assignments. Further, they are engaged in social movements, lean more democratic than older generations, and favor a larger role for government.

Due to their significant size, the Millennial generation is redefining the workplace for many organizations. Many older workers, who struggle to understand Millennials, often define them by stereotypes rather than their actual attributes. To clear the fog of misunderstanding, Dr. LeMay conducted extensive research. She completed numerous interviews and focus groups, providing first-hand accounts from Millennials and non-Millennials about their work interactions. Millennials grew up with technology at their fingertips and tend to avoid conflict and seek advice from their online support groups. As a digitally-connected group, Millennials have a strong desire to know what’s happening now and find it difficult to “turn off.”

Dr. LeMay conducted further research to explore the conflict styles of Millennials compared to Generation Xers and Baby Boomers - the unique strategies they are likely to use to address conflict in the workplace. The results from her statistical analysis of approximately 11,000 test-takers of the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument show fascinating differences in how Milllennials, Generation Xers, and Baby Boomers approach conflict. One of the findings in Dr. LeMay’s research is the unassertive conflict styles found in Millennial males Dr. LeMay’s book titled Millennials and Conflict in the Workplace: Understand the Unique Traits of the Now Generation, shares the results of this research and provides insights on what Millennials want and value in the workplace and what employers can do to recruit and retain this valuable cohort.

Additional research conducted by Dr. LeMay explores Millennials’ diversity, political and social engagement, and the implications for the broader society. Her research fills an important gap in the research on generational cohorts and conflict management and provides valuable information to scholars and practitioners alike.