Millennials just surpassed Baby Boomers as the largest population cohort in the United States. Pew Research reports that one in three of our workers is now between the ages of 21 to 36.
That’s 56 American workers just waiting for you to reach out, hire, and retain them. But will the same techniques that attracted the Baby Boomers work on millennials? Here are five techniques you can apply today to make your company more appealing to this powerful workforce.
1. Recognize and Adapt to a Shorter “Tour of Duty”
Millennials are unlikely to stay in a job longer than two or three years. It’s simply the new normal for this population of digital natives. Leverage their youthful energy and give them the tools they need to succeed in your organization; but, recognize that they may seek greener pastures sooner rather than later.
2. Create a Strong Employer Brand
Attract more millennials by working to answer the question “Why should I work for you?” Fill your careers page with video testimonials that showcase the positive experiences of your current employees. Share pictures and information on the company events you take part in, including volunteering for worthy causes. Monitor employee-rating websites to make sure you always have positive reviews. Your organization should work to build a great culture so that your employees feel comfortable sharing referrals with your hiring team. Work to create a diverse culture where those with the best talent are welcomed, no matter their demographic category.
3. Empower Them with the Right Technology Tools
One of the biggest differences between younger and older populations is the level of reliance on technology tools. Younger workers are using technology more and in different ways. For example, millennials typically do not use their phone for calls, instead preferring to text. Collaboration can be done electronically, with tools like Slack, Basecamp or Trello.
4. Create the Right Environment
Despite what you may have heard, millennials do not have to have all the best perks to want to work at your company. If you haven’t remodeled and put in Ping-Pong tables, don’t worry, you still may be able to attract younger workers to your company. One thing you should do, however, is to adapt to the latest trends by letting workers take advantage of work from home days. Having the traditional 9 to 5 job isn’t as realistic for today’s workforce who are more mobile and flexible in their work schedules. Today, these workers can, and do, work from anywhere thanks to Wi-Fi that can be found in typically any business.
5. Understand and Adapt to How Millennials Work
In addition to adopting more flexible work hours, understand that millennials like to work in shorter bursts. They like collaboration and avoid helicopter managers. Don’t tell them how they should work, ask them what tools they need to succeed. Millennials were raised on constant feedback and thrive in environments where they can excel and innovate.
The millennial workforce is both strong and powerful. Working to attract this population takes some effort but you will be rewarded for your work. Talk with the team at Gecko to find out how we can help you attract more millennials to your team.
