Hiring Millennials: Recruiting and Retaining
Millennials are a unique generation. They are the first to have grown up with the internet and they are constantly connected to their devices. So how do you go about recruiting and retaining millennials? Here are four tips that will help.
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Who are millennials?
Millennials, also known as Generation Y, are a generation of young adults that are unique in many ways.
Demographers and researchers typically use the early 1980s as starting birth years and the mid-1990s to early 2000s as ending birth years. Most millennials are the children of baby boomers and early Generation Xers; millennials are often also called “echo boomers” because they are the product of the much larger baby boomer generation.
They are technologically savvy and often more comfortable with new technologies than older generations. They are also typically more open-minded and progressive than their elders, with more diverse worldviews and lifestyles. For business owners and managers, hiring millennials can be an excellent way to bring new ideas and perspectives into the workplace.
1. Understand what millennials want
The term “millennial” has become something of a buzzword in recent years, and there is no shortage of opinions on this much-discussed generation. When it comes to the workplace, millennials are often characterized as entitled and lazy, but the reality is far more complex. In order to successfully hire and retain millennial talent, it’s important to understand what this generation is looking for in a job.
For starters, millennials place a high value on work/life balance. They’re not looking to sacrifice their personal lives for their careers, and they’re not afraid to make job choices that reflect that priority. That doesn’t mean that millennials are unwilling to work hard, but they do want to feel like their efforts are appreciated. In fact, one of the key things that millennials seek in a job is a sense of purpose. They want to know that their work is making a difference, and they’re not interested in working for a company that doesn’t share their values.
In addition, millennials are highly adept at using technology, and they expect their workplace to reflect that. They’re used to having instant access to information and being able to communicate with anyone in the world at the click of a button.
2. Give millennials the opportunity to learn and grow
When it comes to hiring new employees, many businesses focus primarily on experience and qualifications. However, when given the opportunity, many millennials have a great deal to offer in terms of energy and motivation. By giving these new workers a chance to learn and grow within your organization, you can tap into the incredible potential that they bring to the table. Not only will this help strengthen your business as a whole, but it will also give younger workers a sense of ownership and investment in the company. At the end of the day, by supporting millennials in their efforts to learn and grow as professionals, you are helping to create a dynamic workplace filled with innovative ideas and boundless energy. And that’s something that any business can benefit from.
3. Let millennials be themselves
Millennials are often stereotyped as being entitled, self-involved, and addicted to technology. However, if you take the time to get to know them, you’ll find that they’re actually a very talented and hardworking generation. If you’re looking to hire millennials, here are three ways to let them be themselves:
- Allow for flexible work hours. Many millennials value work/life balance, and they’re often more productive when they have some flexibility in their schedules. If possible, allow them to set their own hours or work from home when needed. This will show that you trust them to get the job done, and it will help them to feel more engaged with their work.
- Encourage open communication. Millennials are used to being able to voice their opinions freely, so don’t be afraid to encourage open communication in the workplace. This doesn’t mean that you have to agree with everything they say, but it will show them that you value and respect their input.
- Encourage them to think outside the box. Millennials are used to problem-solving and thinking creatively, so don’t be afraid to give them assignments that require creative thinking. You may be surprised at the innovative solutions they come up with.
- Allow them to use social media. Social media is second nature to millennials, so don’t try to ban it in the workplace. Instead, use it to your advantage by allowing them to share company news and updates, showcase their work, and promote your brand to a wider audience.
Overall, by giving millennials the opportunity to be themselves and letting them use their unique skills and perspectives, you can create a more innovative and productive workplace.
4. Offer competitive pay and benefits
To attract top talent from this generation, it is essential to offer competitive pay and benefits that take into consideration the high cost of living for young professionals today.
5. Promote work/life balance
Companies can stand out by offering flexible work arrangements and prioritizing work-life balance over long hours or excessive overtime. By focusing on these key factors, businesses can create a better workplace environment for young employees and significantly improve their chances of recruiting and retaining top millennial talent.