Millennials Are Changing the Workplace as We Know It. Here’s How to Adapt.
Posted March 22nd, 2016
A major shift in the makeup of the American workforce happened at the start of 2015. For the first time, millennials made up the largest percentage of workers according to PewResearch. They surpassed workers from generation X and now constitute 53.5 percent of the labor force.
This generation is distinct from previous generations in their attitudes regarding work, careers, and expectations of employers. And while they may have unique demands, they also bring with them a unique set of skills and talents that are essential for remaining competitive in the present and future. As you adapt your workplace to attract and retain more millennials, focus on making these changes:
Improve Relationships With Managers
Millennials are not exactly antiauthoritarian, but they tend to resist one-sided relationships. Offices in which all decision making is centralized and power flows from the top down will hold little appeal for this group of workers. The better strategy is to focus on collaboration, diversity, and inviting everyone to have a voice. You don’t have to go to a flat hierarchy, but you need to evolve beyond the traditional manager/employee dichotomy.
Make Your Office Efficient and Technological
Millennials are the first generation of true digital natives. They have been raised with technology and have an acute understanding of its power. For that reason, they are especially intolerant of workplaces that operate inefficiently and that don’t make the most of every available technology. You don’t have to make a major investment in new hardware, but you should be willing and even excited to embrace new tools to get the most out of your office.
Offer Fair Compensation
Millennials are very savvy about online research and can find out if they’re being fairly compensated in a matter of minutes. If you attempt to lowball this group of workers, you’ll have a hard time recruiting and retaining anyone under 35. Keep in mind, however, that millennials also crave a better balance between work and life. You may be able to offer less in the form of wages if you offer more in the form of benefits; particularly perks like telecommuting opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
Focus on Your Company Culture
Millennials are looking for partnerships more than jobs. They want to work for companies that share their mission, goals, values, style, and overall outlook on the world. Trying to cultivate a culture that is attractive to this generation helps your recruiting efforts. Making that culture something you’re constantly working to refine and improve upon helps to keep millennials engaged and eager to stay onboard.
When you’re ready to tap into a pool of the best and brightest millennial talent available, work with the team at Bayside Solutions.
