GENERATIONAL
GENERATIONAL SHIFT
SHIFT
Increase of millennial workers means
change in workplace dynamics
By the year 2025, it is predicted that millennials will make up at least
three-quarters of the modern workforce. Born between 1982 and
1996, millennials have different needs when it comes to their careers.
“Restructuring the way your company or business runs will not only
attract and retain millennials, but it will also create a comfortable
work environment for all of your employees,” said Lyndsay Grady,
director of workforce development at The Chamber.
Ms. Grady has several suggestions for companies looking to actively
recruit millennials to their ranks:
Align your company’s beliefs
with your employees’ beliefs.
Where does the motivation to work
come from? Millennial employees
are looking for a company that has the
same values and beliefs they do. They
are also looking to make a change in the
world they live in, so try having a com-
pany volunteer day or another chari-
table event. Don’t forget to clearly com-
municate your organization’s mission,
vision and values to your workforce.
Show them how their career
path will grow. Knowledge is
power. Millennials are more con-
cerned about the path they have to
take rather than the time it will take to
complete it, which is why laying out a
future career path is essential. Don’t
forget to recruit from your existing
workforce as it eliminates new hire
costs and gives existing employ-
ees the chance to advance.
Provide educational
opportunities. Millennials are look-
ing for more than experience from their
job, they want to grow their knowledge
base. Creating an education program
encourages professional development
and lifelong learning.
8 • The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce
Make them feel like
they make an impact.
Millennials will only invest
in your company if they
feel you are investing in them. Create a
collaborative environment where ideas,
questions and comments are accepted
and taken into consideration. Try to give
them mentors instead of bosses and give
them the opportunity to take ownership
on projects.
Allow for work/life flexibility.
Flexibility allows for a comfortable work
space—even though it takes trust, allow-
ing employees to work from home once
a week or to have a flexible schedule
allows them to be involved in their per-
sonal lives outside of the workplace.
Provide
perks when
when possible.
possible.
Povide perks
Sometimes, it’s
not all about the
money—having a
birthday recognition
lunch, a comfortable
dress code or discount cards for local
businesses are all perks that create the
comfortable work environment millen-
nials seek. Don’t forget that everyone
loves a paycheck. Small incentives and
raises will help keep an employee from
leaving your business.
For more information on how
The Chamber can help you adjust your
business to shifting generational needs,
contact Ms. Grady at
[email protected].