Millennials, variously categorized as the generation born between 1981 and 1996, are the largest and most populous generation in US history. As a result, their influence on the way we think, interact and live has been considerable.

The Millennial generation has not come of age without its challenges, however. With rising student loan debt, increasing wealth gap and jobs that may offer less job security, many Millennials are having to make strategic decisions about the way they prioritize their finances.

Millennials are also characterized by a willingness to experiment with different career paths, to remain mobile and to follow their ambitions. As Millennials, financial stability is important to us, but so is self-growth and exploration. The Millennial generation is powered by a passion for freedom and a need for meaning, so many of us are happy to take risks and prioritize experiences over financial stability.

In terms of their impact on the workplace, Millennials are shaking up the traditional nine-to-five office life and introducing more flexible working hours and remote work. They also prioritize good work-life balance more strongly than the generations before them. This means they’re open to both freelance and part-time work, and are motivated by the idea of ‘work smarter not harder’.

Millennials, who have grown up with digital technology, are keen to use it to speed up processes and make businesses more efficient. This means that they are driving a shift away from traditional business models, sometimes even calling into question the way in which work is structured and performed in larger organisations.

Finally, when it comes to retirement, Millennials are likely to have to take its savings into their own hands. The trend of retirees relying on government benefits and pensions for income is less likely for the younger generations, perhaps suggesting a greater need for financial education to ensure that Millennials’ long-term financial goals are achieved.

All in all, the Millennial generation are an ambitious, tech-savvy and resilient group of individuals who, through their different approach to work, money and life, are making an impact on the way future generations think, behave and live.