Companies and their human resources teams are frequently looking for new strategies to improve their recruitment techniques. The features that attract workers varies by generation, and businesses have to adjust their offerings over time. By 2020, millennials – also known as the Millennial Generation or Generation Y – will make up 50 percent of the workforce, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. HR leaders are now examining what perks matter most to Gen Y'ers. Let's take a look at three strategies for recruiting millennial employees:
1. Highlight company culture
The workplace landscape has completely changed from what it used to be. Older employees often spent a large portion of their lives with the same company, while millennials tend to change jobs a little more frequently. To keep valuable workers of this generation content with their employer, many companies are shifting their focus to improving company culture.
"Millennials want a fun and flexible work environment."
Gen Y employees want an environment which offers fun and flexibility, as well as comfort. Versatile workplace arrangements, from the ability to telecommute to the option to work in different places within the office, give millennial workers what they're looking for. Businesses should invite job candidates to spend time in the office to see if applicants fit into the company culture, according to Inc. magazine.
2. Emphasize company and employee progression
Millennial employees want to progress within a company. HR teams should share the normal timetable for promotions and raises with potential hires. Gen Y employees are eager to make an impact and see their hard work pay off. These advancements, both in position and in compensation, don't have to be large jumps. Instead, the change can be more incremental, according to CNN Money. If applicable, companies can alter their promotional track so there are smaller promotions and raises over time.
3. Offer professional development
Showing employees they're valued often goes a long way. Companies can do just that by providing helpful management training or coverage for certification courses. Promoting professional development has many benefits. Not only does this tactic make workers feel their employers care about their career, but a highly trained employee will be more beneficial to the business as a whole. This offering is also attractive to millennial job candidates, according to Entrepreneur. Applicants want to know they can advance within the enterprise and the company will help them succeed.
HR leaders are refocusing their recruitment efforts on the millennial generation. Elements, including company culture, employee progression and professional development are important and attractive factors in this generation's decision-making process. Gen Y workers want to feel comfortable and valued in their jobs and companies are finding more appealing hiring strategies.