Case Study: 6 Insights About Millennial Employees
Simply Hired Staff
It seems as if each new generation that enters the workforce brings with them their own unique take on the career world. While older generations may be inclined to write these traits off as those “youngin’s quirks”, it’s these fresh perspectives that often drive businesses to new heights by challenging the concept of business as usual in favor of innovation and improved efficiency.
Baby boomers had their work ethic and Gen-X ushered in a wave of technology that companies are still riding to new heights today. The newest generation to hit cash registers, conference rooms and c-suites are the millennials. Barely know what an emoji or BAE is, much less how to interact and get the most out of the newest and youngest members of your professional team? Never fear! We tightened up our laces, pulled up our suspenders and braved the opinions of eight of our own fresh-faced, millennial, college grads to find out just what makes this generation different from those that came before and we’re ready to pass along those valuable insights to you.
Make a Connection During the Hiring Process
“The application processes I went through were 90% digital until someone talks to you. It was nice to able to talk to someone here before I even put in the application. Once you get in front of someone, it’s easy.” – Dillon W
While millennials may embrace the framework and advantages of the tech boom that came before them, when it comes to meeting their future employers its all about that personal connection that helps them feel at home. Less of a fad and more of a well-established tool, technology will only get you so far in scoring the cream of the crop in recent graduates. Ditch the automated template and write an individual email or, better yet, pick up the phone for a call to start
More than Just the Benjamins
“I turned down a job offer because I would have had to move to Arizona for a year for training.” – Samantha P.
Millennials show a trend towards staying close to friends and family, even at the expense of career prospects. Building and maintaining community and closeness will often outweigh that new job in a big city far away. Corporations may need to up their moving incentive, or consider remote work possibilities if this emerging trend shows staying power.
That First Job is a Big First Step
“I double checked with my parents on the health benefits because obviously they have more experience with that.” -Taylor W.
While certainly an independent generation, millennials show less of a desire to fly the coup and set off on their own than prior generations. This trait, born from a more stable and connected time in history for coming of age, means that that first job can seem more momentous and less of a goal in need of crushing. Expect younger employees to weigh their options and accept that first position with caution and eyes wide open.
Making the Transition from School to Work
“In school you’re doing all this for a grade and it only affects you. When you’re working for a company, the results of your work affect the entire company. So it’s a different dynamic in terms of what the results of your work really mean.” – Anna E.
While earlier generations often were forced by necessity to work their way through college or even high school, brightened economic conditions mean that millennials first foray into the workforce is often after they’ve completed school. This quick transition could mean that your young employees need an adjusted training schedule or perhaps additional support in adapting to modern work culture if they haven’t previously been exposed.
Education that Better Prepares Candidates for Work
“School teaches you how to think, how to approach and solve problems.” – Justin C.
Just as generations change, so does the educational theories and systems that prep them for life in the job world. More modern educational trends have seen schools adapting to big picture thinking, making millennials quicker to adapt to complicated and integrated work environments. With this shift in thinking, you definitely won’t be seeing many one-trick ponies in younger candidate crops.
A Passion for the Job
“I get really excited about things I believe in. When I found out exactly what Simply Hired does, it’s a lot easier to sell something you’ve used and know can help people.” – Dillon W.
Last but not least, millennials more than generations that have come before feel a need to be personally invested in the companies and clients they work for. It’s not enough for these committed individuals to collect a paycheck, they also look for meaning and purposes in the work that they do. Whether it’s scanning items at retail or analyzing data sheets, take the time to explain your business’ mission and find yourself with a much more engaged and devoted employee.
This Article was updated on August 1, 2017
