In an article for CNBC, Landon Dowdy (@LandonDowdyCNBC) interviews Kathryn Minshew, CEO and founder of millennial career site, The Muse. She reveals how this generation is very different from Baby Boomers and Gen Xers when it comes to work. This year millennials will reach a milestone, becoming the largest generation in the American workforce. The numbers, however, are only one part of this picture. What does it mean for the future of the workplace? Dowdy asked millennials and workplace experts to weigh in.

More flexible work schedules

The concept of work/life balance would have been a foreign concept to Baby Boomers thrown into a nine to five work schedule. Today, however, it’s important for employers to offer something in return for their employees staying connected:

"If companies are going to ask that much of people, they have a responsibility to give more as well. I think that means giving people the opportunity to have a flexible work day."

As employees are expected to work longer hours, such arrangements can help companies retain the best candidates. A flexible attitude towards work schedules promotes efficiency by bringing out the best in everyone. She offers up an example of one employee who is an introvert and works from home one day a week.

A renewed focus on growth and development

The idea that millennials are lazy and entitled is a misconception. The truth is, they seek out workplaces where they can "find their purpose and be passionate about what [they] do." Here are some ways an employer can encourage this:

• Emphasize training and development

• Choose feedback and coaching over cash incentives

• The opportunity to work with other generations

Working in gray cubicles, maneuvering through company hierarchies, focusing on remuneration -- these are all aspects of yesterday’s workplace. Millennials are more concerned with how they contribute to, not only a company’s bottom line, but it’s purpose. It isn’t so much about climbing to the top or getting the highest paycheck, but doing what you love while being challenged and mentored along the way.

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