Supporting Millennials in the Workplace

Most organizations’ workforces are seeing a rapid increase in the proportion of Millennials, which has left businesses asking how to retain Millennial workers and keep them engaged and motivated.

Although it’s essential to remember that generational stereotypes don’t apply to every group member, many Millennials today are indeed motivated by different things than their older counterparts when they first entered the workforce.

Those born between the early to mid-1980s and the mid-1990s are known as Millennials. They are joining the labor force in large numbers, and while they expect to be paid well, it won’t make them act in a certain way.

Since they account for a significant workforce, how can companies support Millennials?

Let’s find out in this post.

Things you need to know about Millennials

The majority of today’s workforce is made up of Millennials. Aside from that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, by 2030, they will make up 75% of US employees.

Employers are attempting to understand their motivations, requirements, and expectations to recruit, engage and retain Millennials.

Employers must adapt their people management strategies and establish work environments where all generations may succeed in managing a multigenerational workforce.

Now, here’s what you need to know about this generation:

They are digital natives

The Millennial generation is one that grew up on the Internet. As a result, technology like laptops, tablets, and smartphones has completely changed how people connect and communicate with one another and the rest of the world.

Millennials also expect to be able to access their work-related duties from their mobile devices because they spend a lot of their free time on them.

They are purpose-driven

The Millennial generation is one that supports and works for companies with a purpose, and they want their personal beliefs to match those of their employer.

With 75% of Millennials indicating they want their values to line with their employer’s values and are even willing to take a salary reduction to work for a value-aligned company, a job is no longer just about a paycheck for them but a purpose.

They are flexible and open to change

Millennials are not just adaptable to change, but many welcome it.

This generation has frequently brought about business, technology, and economic changes. Most people understand that because these fields are constantly evolving, current job fields must also adapt their working practices to keep up.

This generation can grow and fill a range of professions because they are adaptable to a constantly changing environment.

They display a desire to learn

Millennials are not only adaptable and receptive to change, but they also appear to have a remarkable zest for learning new things.

This generation demonstrates a strong desire to learn more things that will benefit them in their careers and have a keen curiosity about the world.

In addition, Millennials appear to recognize the value of setting and attaining professional and personal development objectives.

They can be free-thinking and creative

Millennials were born when more modern and technologically sophisticated ones replaced traditional working practices.

As a result, they might think more creatively due to this invention. Millennials can often develop innovative solutions to issues that may develop in the workplace.

How your HR team can support Millennials

Supporting the Millennials in your team is one way to keep them engaged and motivated at work. If you’re looking for ways to do so, here are some tips:

Provide flexible work schedules and arrangements

There is a reason why this is at the top of the list.

Did you know the Great Recession came as the youngest Millennials were about to enter adulthood?

They are acutely aware of the accompanying job market challenges.

Even though they’ve avoided many of the financial blunders their parents did, many have substantial student loan debt and face a challenging job market when they graduate from college.

Offering flexible work schedules and even work-from-home arrangements is one way to help them lessen their cost of living.

Compared to their parents and grandparents, Millennials anticipate a better work-life balance. However, if you don’t assist them in creating it, they can lose interest and begin looking for work elsewhere.

Put a focus on health and well-being

Millennials frequently take the idea of wellness seriously.

Businesses can accommodate this inclination in various ways to attract Millennial workers.

• Complimentary yoga and meditation sessions promote calmness and reflection
• Gratis or discounted gym membership costs, or access to a gym on-site
• Furniture designed for comfort and to lower the incidence of repetitive stress injuries
• Generous breaks

Some of these changes will cost money upfront, but they should have a good return on investment. In addition, these incentives are expected to boost productivity and employee morale, making them a wise long-term investment.

Use a mentoring management approach

The distinction between work and life is becoming hazier with the development of technology and remote work.

Also, this alters the communication between managers and staff. Try out several managerial approaches while seeking to boost employee engagement among Millennials.

Excellent leadership frequently demands particular, personalized strategies. You can advise your staff and assign assignments that best suit their skill sets by being aware of their strengths.

Push the limits

The tech-savvy generation was born and raised in an era when several businesses advanced technology.

This has given some Millennials a spirit of adventure and a desire to challenge conventional wisdom.

Urge your staff to develop intriguing, imaginative ideas for serving your clients better and enhancing your workplace.

Set up meaningful work

Many Millennials want to feel like they are part of a more significant organization when they are working.

In addition, the younger generation is drawn to initiatives that support the environment, give back to the community, or positively impact the planet.

To summarize

Speaking generally about the preferences of a sizable group of people is never a good idea. That undoubtedly applies to Millennials.

They are unique people; therefore, you’ll have to put in the effort to figure out what engagement strategies will be most effective with your staff.

But with these recommendations, you should at least get on the correct path. That could be the deciding factor in your efforts to recruit, develop, and keep a staff that will support your company’s growth now and in the future.

Know how else you can support your staff? Utilize a complete HR platform like Hezum to streamline your day-to-day administrative tasks.

Automate onboarding and time off management and provide your team with a secure, centralized database for easy collaboration. All these and more are possible with Hezum.

Want to learn more about our solutions? Visit our website or schedule a demo today.