Women entrepreneurs wonder why their women employees seem to be asking the above question: "Is this a new phenomenon in the business world? Is this question asked by women in business more often than businessmen? Is this desire to feel appreciated and loved by one's peers, customers, company, and business world age-related? The answer to these three questions is YES!

Once upon a time in America men and women vied for employment and once hired were paid a sum of money for their work. The terms of employment were pretty simple. The employee was told by her boss what to do and she did it if she expected to keep her job. The compensation for that work was either an hourly wage or a salary. Nowhere in the agreement was there an expectation by the employee that she would get a pat on the back or a compliment such as "great job!"

I know this because I have been an employee for many different bosses and many different companies and I have also been a boss. During my twenty plus years of working on and off for bosses, both men and women, I truly can't recall a single moment when I received such adoration. Yes, I have been promoted, been given raises and bonuses and/or been told by others how terrific I am. But, getting a pat on the back, high five or "great job" comment by the boss - it just didn't happen to me or pretty much any other women I know.

However, today in 2014, I hear consistently from clients that the women they employ (and, yes, some of the men) expect to hear accolades on a regular basis.  "Is this a condition of the millennial generation?" I'm asked. My answer is a resounding YES!

Here are some things that millennials want according to the Intelligence Group:         

64% of them say it’s a priority for them to make the world a better place.

72% would like to be their own boss. But if they do have to work for a boss, 79% of them would want that boss to serve more as a coach or mentor.

88% prefer a collaborative work-culture rather than a competitive one.

74% want flexible work schedules.

And 88% want “work-life integration,” which isn’t the same as work-life balance, since work and life now blend together inextricably.

Clearly, young employees today (and particularly women employees) require more love than their older counterparts. It is important to realize that they grew up in an atmosphere where everything is instantaneous. There is no reason to wait to call or email anyone when a text takes a split-second. If an employee views her boss as her coach - and she has probably had many in her short life including her parents - she expects to be cheered on to the finish line. Even if the finish line we are talking about is five o'clock quitting time.

The fact is, as I share with my clients, millennials can be a lot of work if one is not a natural cheerleader. However, on the other hand, they can also be the most masterful employees if given a little love and appreciation.

Of course, when I speak of love in this blog I mean enthusiasm, appreciation, and assurance that the work they are doing is meaningful to you and the organization.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, is worse for a millennial than to work all day and not be given the feeling that the work is purposeful.

Smart employers of large groups of millennials get their companies involved in charitable organizations as part of the work schedule. Nothing says love more than giving back.

So, if you are an entrepreneur in 2014 do yourself a favor and take the time to appreciate your employees, customers, and vendors. Millennials or not, everyone needs a little love now and then.