Why Hiring Millennials Will Prepare You for the “Gig Economy”
Posted July 8th, 2016
Hiring in the IT field is competitive, especially as it relates to finding the best and brightest of the newest working generation: Millennials. Not satisfied with the trappings of many traditional career paths, and the work environments that go with it, these workers have created a new segment within workplace. This new paradigm is affectionately referred to as the gig economy.
What is the Gig Economy?
The gig economy, though not a completely new idea, has proliferated the marketplace at an unexpectedly high rate. Positions within this style of work allow for greater flexibility, at times allowing employees the ability to work in the ways and environments they choose.
Some of the strongest examples of the gig economy are companies like Uber and Lyft, as they allow those who work within the system to perform tasks in a way that works best for them.
Integrating Gig Economy Concepts into Traditional Business
While most employers cannot afford to allow employees to come and go entirely as they please, certain aspects of the gig economy can be introduced into a more traditional environment. At the root of the gig economy movement are a few key concepts:
- Flexibility
- Balance
- Growth
- Direction
Millennials crave flexibility. Whether this is the option to work non-traditional work hours or in more adaptive environments, these employees seek understanding that being behind a particular desk, at a set time, with every other employee may not be necessary to produce quality work.
Work/Life balance is also frequently cited. Along with flexible scheduling, alternate working environments, such as the option to telecommute or work-from-home, may be particularly attractive. These employees are willing to sacrifice career progression in order to feel in control of their lives as a whole. Giving them options to exude control over things other companies may not allow can set you, and your business, apart.
Growth Ability
Even though career progression may not be the priority it was for previous generations, the ability to grow is highly desirable. This may mean the creation of mentorship programs, allowing younger works the opportunity to interact and learn from those they admire in the field. Not only will they learn valuable, real world skills that can be applied to their work, they will also form bonds and connections with those who work in a position they may be interested in exploring.
Direction isn’t necessarily about micromanagement. In this context, it is about providing millennials with a mission, a sense of purpose for what they, and the company they work for, is trying to do. To them, success is about more than just profitability. Instead, they value the bigger picture of how what they do impacts those around them.
Here at Bayside Solutions, we are in tune with the rapidly changing workforce and its values. Let us help you not just locate the talent you seek, but help create an environment in which they thrive. If your workforce thrives, so will your company. Let us help you get there.
