Millennials make up to 35% of the global workforce as of 2020 and by 2030, they are likely to grow to 75% of the workforce.
With boomers in the workforce getting close to retirement, millennials are expected to make up a large portion of the workforce.
Millennials are young and tech-savvy. They are called job-hopping generation and keeping them happy & engaged is the biggest challenge faced by many employers today.
In this article, we will understand motivations & expectations of millennials to help attract, engage and retain them.
- They are Tech-Savvy
Millennials are more tech-savvy. They have grown up using the internet, mobile phones and social media platforms. They are looking for organisations that offer the top technology, latest communication tools and the works.
To attract millennials, go digital. Create your digital presence on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Glassdoor. Share success stories, employee experiences, customers experiences. And ensure your company website is upto date and mobile friendly. Remember, they are the best advocates and ambassadors for your company.
- They are looking for Instant Gratification
Millennials are impatient. They do not want to wait till the end of the year to know if they performed well at work. They want instant feedback and recognition, maybe even in front of the team (yes, they enjoy the attention).
Don’t wait for the annual appraisals to tell them they are doing a good job. provide appreciation & recognition immediately and publicly.
- They want communication
Millennials want to hear all the relevant information, that also in a crisp short easy to understand language or in form of images or short videos. They do not have the time or inclination to go through long-drawn communication. Instead they are looking for the gist in bullet points.
Communicate with them frequently and provide them all the information they are looking for in short ‘Tweet’ formats.
- They want work-life balance
Unlike the older generation that worked long hours every weekday and sometimes even weekends, millennials are looking at a good work-life balance. This means they are looking for flexibility in terms of work hours. They want to decide when and where they work from and also ensure that they complete the task efficiently.
They do not want to be tied down to the desk. They can make presentations while on a vacation, present it on a Zoom call, chat with team-members while commuting, using Microsoft Teams.
Ensure they are not bound by the rigid work hours or limited by lack of technology. Give them the option to work part-time, freelance, remotely.
- They are Looking for Challenges
Millennials are not in it only for money. They are looking at adding value to the job, contribute, make an impact. They are looking for challenges that makes working fun. They want to try out new roles, learn new skills, take up different projects. They are open to change & adapt. They have great ideas and they want to be heard.
If you want to retain them, provide an environment that fosters learning, change and trust.
Millennials want what every generation that has come before them wants – to feel that they matter, that their work matters and that they are contributing to something bigger than themselves. The only difference is that millennials are the first generation with the guts to ask for it and to expect it – Simon Sinek, www.simonsinek.com
Get your organisation ready for the millennials.
Need help in recruiting, onboarding and training millennials for your organisation? Get in touch with www.flexiventures.in, one of the top HR consulting & staffing companies in India!
