There is no denying that millennials have become the face of the modern workforce. For businesses to not only survive but thrive in this new era of industry and technology, they must adapt to the ever-changing standards of those born between the mid-80s and mid-90s. Here are some tips from our employment and workforce experts to ensure that your company not only attracts millennials to apply for open positions, but that they choose to stay for the long-haul.
- Work-Life Balance
Unlike the days of old, a generous salary is not enough to attract young, career minded individuals to apply for a position within your company. Millennials are equally as concerned with their employee benefits, work-life balance, and those little “extras” as they are with a healthy income. Consider offering perks like extra vacation days for a project well done or as giveaways during internal celebrations, and offing flexible work hours, which will ensure your employees understand that you value their time outside of work and encourage a healthy lifestyle in the workplace.
- Be a Trustworthy Company
Millennials want to work for a company that they can brag about, and not only do they want to brag about their companies, they want to truly feel that they are part of the organization and can make a difference. Instead of focusing your business aspirations solely on sales revenue and growth, emphasize and encourage positive characteristics within your organization, such as honesty and integrity. Include this in everything from your company’s mission statement and values, down to your website and even your team meeting handouts.
- Enforce a Positive Work Environment
Young professionals expect an inviting and positive work environment. Having a slightly laid-back dress code or offering jean-Fridays, providing healthy snacks in the office, and allowing rotating flexible schedules or remote work options help employees feel comfortable and can boost retention rates. But it doesn’t stop there. Everything that forms part of the employees’ involvement with the work itself, such as their relationship with co-workers and supervisors, organizational culture, and their own motivation about the work they do impacts the work environment.
To ensure the experience for your employees is positive from the ground up, you’ll need to work with your management and leadership teams to ensure that the environment is helpful, directional and that there is clear and open communication throughout your organization.
- Set and Maintain Clear Expectations
Young people are thirsty for open communication and to know exactly what is expected of them from start to finish. This doesn't mean micromanaging, but rather for managers to build strong relationships with their teams, making them feel in the loop and invested. One of the simplest ways to do this is by outlining each employee’s role and expectations clearly upon hiring and review their performance against those expectations from time to time. If an employee did exceptionally well on something, celebrate those successes. If they are struggling in one area or another, it is best to find ways in which the employee might benefit from additional training, job shadowing or mentorships to help them get back on track.
Another way to establish and maintain clear expectations throughout your organization is by encouraging your staff to discuss the organization’s philosophy, values, brand statements, and mission from time to time during meetings and one on ones. This will ensure that everyone knows what they’re working towards other than paychecks. Having these open discussions helps get your employees involved and allows them to share their views and ideas on how the teams might achieve the company goals.
- Giving Back
Young people are more socially conscious than ever before, which means that they expect their employers to be as well. Hosting fundraiser events, having volunteer days, and donating to charity organizations are great team-building opportunities, while also giving back to your local community. These are also great ways to hold team building exercises and get involved within the community to build up your company’s presence within the local area.
Work with a Trusted Employment Partner
Navigating the new world of a younger workforce may seem like an uphill battle, but some small steps in making your employees feel appreciated, necessary, and supported can make all the difference in having them invest in your company for years to come. For more assistance with all of your recruitment and staffing needs, the AllStaff Group is here to help. Contact us today to take your business to the next level by finding and keeping the best employees on the market!