Workers born between 1980 and about the mid-1990s are known as Generation Y as well as Millenials. They make up a huge number of people working in the U.S. today, possibly as large as the Baby Boom generation.
Here are some tips on how to attract them to your company…and keep them once they’re there.
- Understand that they may not stay with you – at first – for very long. They may stay with you for two or three years and then return a few years later. This can be a great thing. They’ve spread their wings, learned new skills – but also have learned what a great company you are. But they’ll only know that if you work to build a long-term relationship with them.
- These young adults have a huge “need for speed.” They’ve grown up on the Internet, quick downloads and instant messaging. So they expect to hear whether you’re going to hire them relatively quickly. In other words, they don’t sit around and wait. So if you see a member of Generation Y you want to hire, do so quickly.
- Speaking of speed, Millennials expect to have the latest technology to use in the workplace. In addition, they won’t be much interested in hierarchy – they’ll want to be able to communicate with all levels of your company during their candidacy via social networking sites and other avenues. So, Ms. Chairwoman, don’t be surprised if you get a connection request from the newly minted college grad on your LinkedIn feed.
- How flexible are you? We ask because Generation Y is all about flexibility. They seek flexible hours are looking more to produce on their schedule rather than yours. That means they’re happy to work on weekends, but they’ll balk at having to work a set, no-ifs-and-or-buts, 8-5 schedule.
Some of the things Generation Y wants you may not be able to provide. If, for example, you own a distribution center, it’s pretty hard to allow work-from-home schedules. But if you can work to bring more of what Generation Y is looking for to your table, you could well be surprised at how eager these young workers are to eat – and keep eating – at your employment table.
Looking for more tips on how to attract and retain workers of all generations? Then contact Arrow Staffing. We can help you source, check and place great workers for your Inland Empire company. We look forward to hearing from you!