Of the United States workforce, 56 million fall under the category of millennial.
That makes them one of the largest generational groups your business should be looking to hire.
To find millennial talent, you need to look carefully at what they want most out of their career, including:
- A need to grow
- A sense of purpose
- A coach or mentor-like relationship with their direct superior
In addition to these intrinsic requirements, millennials also highly value a typical benefits package that includes health insurance and retirement funding, but also career development, schedule flexibility, and paid time off.
Pet-friendly perks are a definite bonus, too.
So as a business, how can you become more attractive to such a large piece of the US workforce?
Let’s explore four ways to attract millennial talent to your workplace.
1. Don’t slow them down.
If one of your millennial employees is looking at opportunities to grow outside your company, you need to realize that they could be searching for personal benefit or growth.
Try not to be bitter about this realization. Instead, take it as an opportunity to further challenge them with more advanced work or even show support of their transition.
When you and your company invest in your staff's personal growth, your employees will become more connected to you, their fellow employees, and the company--and may even stop searching for outside opportunities.
2. Provide career development opportunities.
By providing career development opportunities within your company, you are supporting millennial retention in today's workforce.
Begin with an open conversation about careers. These discussions will help employees feel comfortable sharing their desires, as well as provide you information on how to help.
A career lattice, similar to a career ladder, will also prove worthy to keep millennials. A lattice provides the opportunity for movement not just up, but vertically, allowing individuals to change career paths within your organization.
Finally, accept feedback on career development programs that you do or do not offer. There might be room for improvement or something employees are looking for that you haven’t considered.
3. Develop a strong mission, vision and values.
In a study completed by Microsoft, 88 percent of respondents said that they pick companies based on whether they have clearly defined values and a strong mission.
Your staff should recognize your company's mission statement every time they come to work (even if they are working from home!).
Proving that you are dedicated to your mission and vision will give staff a sense of purpose in their work life, and many will be proud to say that they work at your company.
4. Be an available leader.
Millennial employees expect accessible leaders, and their bosses to be more like mentors.
Be reachable to your employees and arrange regular check ins to reflect on their progress and determine new goals. With your guidance and support, employees will know they are a valuable part of the team and have confidence in their leader’s, and consequently the company's, direction.
If you are serious about getting millennials into your workplace today, follow these tips.
They will not only be willing to work for you, but will actively be seeking you out. The workforce is changing every day and it’s up to you to give your company that leading edge with millennial talent.
Do you have additional tips on retaining or hiring millennial talent? Let us know in the comments below!
