A lot has been said about the new generation of workers known as the ‘millennials’, those born anywhere between 1982 and 1998 (give or take a few years depending on who you ask). The general view towards this age group of workers is ‘job skipping, entitled and self-absorbed’ but is this true? Many would argue that any generation is the product of the society in which they were raised, but that’s an argument for another day.
What sets the millennials apart from the previous generations that came before is that this group has grown up with the vast technological arc we are currently experiencing. Since the 1980’s technology has boomed and advancements are happening at a greater rate than ever before. This generation has had everything at its fingertips and information has been more easily accessible than ever before. But what do they want? How do we get the best out of them on the shop floor?
Many agencies and groups are claiming to know, stating they understand what the millennial wants and how to give it to them. After all, the millennial recruitment market is a lucrative business and everyone wants a slice of that action. To an extent, it appears that everyone but the millennials are defining them with talks, books and seminars on ‘how to understand millennials’. They claim to help bridge the generational gap for businesses to help boost productivity.
Whilst many groups have purported to have done studies on this subject to highlight the differences, a growing body of evidence is suggesting, in the workplace in particular, that their attitudes are no different to the generations that preceded them. So how would you retain a millennial in the workplace? It’s pretty safe to say that you need to treat them the same as any other worker and offer them a few key things to ensure they remain loyal and productive.
Engagement
Offering opportunities to stretch their intellect and put their skills into practice. They want to be engaged and mentally stimulated by the work that they do. If they can see they are making a difference and are being allowed to ‘stretch their wings’ then why would they want to leave?
Development
Millennials, like many workers, want to know where they are heading, they want to develop themselves and their careers. Anyone who has trained to become and engineer for example, is not the kind of person that just works towards a paycheck. They want to achieve, develop and progress. Investing time into the development of your millennials shows that your investing in their future and long-term success. Why go somewhere else when your current employer has your corner and wants you to be the best you can be? If your company are investing in your future, why not give 110%?
Communication
Many millennials are looking to evolve the workplace culture. They want to be involved in decision making processes these days rather than be a drone to whom orders are given. Growing up in a communication age it’s no surprise that millennials in particular want to be more involved. But communication isn’t just a one way street, acknowledging the achievements of your workers makes them feel valued. Showing your appreciation and building a strong culture within the workplace also makes staff feel valued. Continuously developing your communication skills within the office will help ensure not only staff retention, but also staff wellbeing.
I'd also like to take the chance to thank you for all your help during my time with Ambitek. I have always been paid on time and any worries I had were sorted out incredibly quickly either by yourself or your colleagues. Thank you for making my time as a contractor as painless as possible. I would certainly have no qualms about being employed by your agency again sometime in the future. Although obviously not any time soon!!!!
I contacted Ambitek last year about employment. They quickly responded and helped me get a job! I now have a full time job thanks to Ambitek and their staff. They have always paid me on time and have always been there to help me if I needed any advice! Now me and my family are doing great all thanks to Ambitek.
"Hi, hope your all set for Xmas just wanted to say thanks to you and all the staff at Ambitek. You have all been ace this year sorting out my wages and holiday pay and the rest, it's been a real pleasure working for you this year and can't thank you enough for getting me the job in the first place it really pulled me out of it when I was down and to say I appreciate it is an understatement
Hi, thank you for having me work for Ambitek, it’s been a pleasure
Hi, just wanted to say thank you for all your help placing me, as today I signed a permanent contract. The agency have been fantastic and in the future I wouldn't hesitate in contacting you if I need a job or recommending you to others. Once again, thank you and I would like to wish you all the best for the future. (One happy customer!)
Hi, don't know if they informed you but I got a full time contract this week, thanks to you and your team for everything mate I'd be nowhere without Ambitek.
Wish everyone looked after us like you.