It has been widely reported that Millennials, those born between 1980 and 2000, are now one-third of the workforce. By 2025, that number is expected to jump to 75 percent. Millennials view employment through a different scope than their predecessors, one molded by the digital world and the new social landscape in media, education, and social issues. To attract them to your company you must get to know them, because they will soon populate positions of consequence in the workforce, making their own mark in the professional world.
Be Web-Savvy
Millennials are the first generation whose experience has been almost wholly digital. They’ve grown up online and their skills update and improve as fast as the industry moves. Don’t be intimidated by this, or let your ego get in the way of learning from them. There are a plethora of job search sites now, each with unique methods and some geared toward specific industries or skill sets. Find applicants using appropriate platforms and then show them you’re tech-savvy enough to value their capabilities.
Be Authentic
This demographic values authenticity perhaps above all else. Millennials are, in general, motivated more by their conscience than by convenience and money. It’s important for millennials to know that the company they represent has good core values and supports corporate responsibility. Keep in mind that their generation got scorched during the Great Recession, so you can’t blame them if they’ve grown cautious of corporate power and motives. Be honest and forthcoming about your expectations and vision, and examine your organization to make sure you’re putting your best ethical foot forward.
A Question of Balance
Millennials value work-life balance more than any generation before. They care about enjoying their life and living independently and therefore want a clear line between the office and the home. Working unpredictable extra time at the office, being on-call even outside work hours; millennials will generally avoid these obligations, even if it means making less money. That doesn’t mean they won’t be great employees though; in fact, you’ll probably find that with a robust personal life, your millennial workers are more energetic and have higher morale.
