What are Millennials and GenZ looking for at work? And what can companies do to welcome the best talents of these generations?
Millennials, GenZ and future work
Knowing how to attract and retain Millennial and GenZ workers is fundamental for companies today. In fact, these generations will make up almost the entire workforce in the next few years.
They are new workers, different from those who preceded them. Therefore, their entry into the world of work requires companies to adapt methods and approaches to their needs and characteristics. For example, although a stable job and a high salary are among the priorities of these new workers, they also want to "feel in tune" with the company they work for. In other words, they aim to find satisfaction, growth opportunities, shared values, innovation, attention to well-being and work-life balance.
Who are Millennials and GenZ
They are the first generations to live in a context in which social media and the Internet pervade every aspect of their daily life. Together, GenZ and GenY (another name of the Millennials) include all those born between the first half of the 1980s and the first decade of the 2000s.
Although there are some important differences between the two, Millennials and GenZ are united by being constantly online. However, they are not just about digital technologies and experiences. They have new values, compared to those of previous generations, and a different way of conceiving private and working life. From a professional point of view, they are more attentive to the quality of the work environment and the ethics of the companies they work for.
As evidenced by the growth of the Job Hopping trend, they are inclined to change jobs frequently, in search of the one most consistent with their vision, that offers greater flexibility and more opportunities for realization. They usually prefer to work for companies that are attentive to the environment and social issues, and in those where there is mutual trust between workers and management.
A company tailored to new workers
So what does your company need to do to welcome and manage the new generations of workers? According to the Best Workplaces for Millennials 2021 ranking by Great Place to Work, the most attractive companies are those with a culture of innovation, a collaborative climate, promotions or awards for their employees. Furthermore, they are those which allow workers to reconcile professional and private life, with coherent and functional policies both for the productivity and well-being of the workers.
In practical terms, it means that to get in tune with these new workers, your company must focus on the following fundamental strategies:
- Use new recruitmentThe first step is to choose the right ones to attract them to you. The starting point is an effective job description, to be published through digital channels, which speaks their language and transparently tells what your company offers - in terms of remuneration, benefits and opportunities for growth - but also your commitment in sustainability, inclusion and equity.
- Rethink the Onboarding process, that is the moment that follows the hiring and marks the entry of the new employee into the company. To make it fit for GenY and GenZ, you must rely on digital technologies, on engaging training processes, and on elements that help create a sense of belonging to the company right away.
- Take care of the corporate image, highlighting those characteristics that make your company interesting and attractive for new workers. For example: mission and values, social or environmental commitments, merit-based approach, and orientation towards transparency and consistency.
- Improve the work experience. Quality of the work environment, fair wages, and sustainable workloads are just some of the elements that create a positive Employee Experience, especially for Millennials and GenZ. In order for them to feel involved and motivated, you need to take care of human relationships, create a serene atmosphere, offer continuous training and methods - such as Gamification - that allow them to learn, challenge themselves, increase empowerment and team up with colleagues.
- Review the "workplace culture", no longer focusing primarily on productivity and business, but on the humanization of work, on stress reduction, and on the recognition of individuals.
