This generation has been talked about so much that it’s tiring. But, the thing is that as the largest age demographic, they deserve the attention. Millennials require a bit more than the standard 9-to-5 to be satisfied in the workplace. Many may even leave their current job and go on to start their own businesses in startup hubs like Camden. This generation has been disrupting industries for years, and there is no stopping them any time soon. So, what can you do as an employer to fulfill the needs of a millennial? Motivate millennials the right way.
Good leadership
This may be slightly different for millennials. They want to be cared for as a person first, not just a tool to achieve the bottom line. Millennials are looking for leaders with values and ideals that are similar to theirs. It’s as much as a friendship as a business partnership. Be engaging, ask questions, and really listen to what they are saying or not saying. There is no one size fit all when it comes to strategizing how to lead a millennial. However, it must be done.
Delivering rich experiences
Millennials are looking to fulfill their higher needs like belonging and respect. It may be surprising, but millennials are not only looking for a big paycheck, they’re looking for company culture and want to feel meaningful. Big corporations are not attracting millennials. They would rather work with the companies that are able to provide what they are looking for. A focus on rich experiences for employees is a strategy that outperforms those that just focus on the bottom line. Growing cities like Camden are harnessing the startup lifestyle, bringing in startups and small businesses that follow those values.
Flexibility
Work/life balance has never been more popular. Millennials work better in a flexible environment. If there is a large workload for the day, they may prefer to work from home or come in at different times. Figure out a schedule that works best with your employee’s personal life as well as work life. With technology, work is easily accessible through phones and laptops. Not every worker may want to work from a remote location. Some prefer to start the day later and stay later. Switching up the schedule can have a positive impact on your business.
Frequent feedback
Constructive feedback helps millennials gauge how they are doing and how they can improve. You may think millennials crave freedom, but they need direction just as much. Employees want to know how they can improve and do their job better. Some employers give evaluations every 6 months, but it may be beneficial to do it every 3 months instead. Millennials are committed to their careers and are focused on doing what it takes to get that promotion.
Be authentic
If you haven’t figured it out already, millennials have zero tolerance for all things inauthentic. They value colleagues that treat them with respect and gravitate towards supervisors that are relatable. But, don’t be fake. Referencing memes that you know nothing about or talking about Pokémon that your employees stopped caring for will only make things awkward.
Create a fun culture
Having a great culture will keep millennials at your company longer than being a boring 9-to-5. You don’t have to be Google to have office perks. Sometimes, it takes as little as a pizza party. Millennials want to create genuine long lasting relationships in their lifetime. Sitting in a cubicle exiled from the world will chip away any remnants of company culture. Consider a more open office atmosphere. It will create opportunities to collaborate and not only will they be happy, your business will flourish.
