We have all seen articles talking about perceived downfalls of the millennial generation. Often mentioned is the fact that this cohort is known to be flighty, with a penchant for leaving a job after perhaps two years.
As a person who falls within the millennial bracket, I can discuss for days the merits of my generation.
Time for Graduation
For now, though, it’s nearly time for colleges and universities to send out into the work world a cadre of fresh, new graduates. As I expect many PR News Pro readers soon will be interviewing and contemplating hiring some of these new graduates, I provide here what I trust will be valuable information. Below is a peek inside the millennial psyche. What I think millennials—like me—find important in a career and workplace and ultimately what drives us to stick around.
An Opportunity to Fail
The greatest thing that happened to me right away in my first communications job was a sink -or-swim situation. Whether I proved myself or not, the point was that I had a leader who gave me a project that allowed me to test the waters and either succeed or fail.
It’s imperative to know there are opportunities for you to shine and showcase your skill set, but also opportunities for you to learn, grow and stretch your skills. For the record, I failed, but that’s beside the point.
Creative Flow
My boss often tells the story of an employee who would come up with a new idea every day—just one. Sometimes the idea would result in something concrete and other times it wouldn’t.
Still, the fact that a new idea was welcomed every single day creates an openness in the workplace where ideas are heard, tried and tested and employees are free to speak up with a good idea…or a bad one.
Reputation of The Workplace
As you likely know, there is plenty of research that says millennials want to work for companies that make a difference in society and take CSR seriously. While I believe that’s true, I want to provide a slightly different take on things.
I take a lot of pride in telling people where I work. I’m not shy, embarrassed or quiet about it. The company’s mission fulfills me. I get a sense of purpose from going to work every day.
Even though I work at a brand that I believe takes part in amazing, thrilling and life-saving missions, it doesn’t necessarily have to be that way. It could be the culture that creates this fulfillment.
A company known for hiring talented people with capable leaders will excite most any employee, millennials included.
Financial Rewards, Thanks
And, of course, this goes without saying, but a thank you will go a long way.
Millennials want to work at a company where they are acknowledged for their work. In the daily grind, things sometimes get messy, but a thank you and recognition for your contribution will drive employees (again, this likely applies to any employee) to stick around.
While I will say this is from a millennial point of view, I think much of what I’ve written here applies to employees at any stage of life, generation category or what have you—these ideas and concepts extend across the workforce.
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