Millennials Aren’t the Problem – It’s Your Culture

It has happened.  More than a third of the U.S. workforce is between the ages of 18 and 34 years old, which means millennials now represent the largest share of workers in America.  As demographics change, so too must the way companies hire and retain this generation of workers, as their needs are not aligned with those of the generations that came before them.

According to research conducted by Jive Communications, when it comes to a job, millennials are looking for flexible working hours, the option to work remotely, fast technology, and an open company culture.  The No. 1 reason millennials leave their jobs?  They don’t like their office atmosphere. 

What does this tell us?  Millennials aren’t necessarily the entitled lazy generation that many people paint them out to be.  And, they don’t necessarily want to job hop.  They will, however, if their office environment does not live up to their expectations.

Another issue adding fuel to the millennial fire?  The U.S. unemployment rate stands around 4%, which means it’s an employee’s marketplace.  Employers have more open jobs than there are qualified candidates to fill, so talented millennials can be selective about who they work for – and that’s exactly what they are doing.

WHAT CAN I DO?  Fulfill millennials needs (flexible working hours, the option to work remotely, fast technology, and an open company culture) and there’s a good chance you can avoid the parade of 18-34 year-olds flooding out your door.  Millennials are open, honest, and vocal – we know what they want, so it’s up to you to deliver.   

Jill Christensen is an employee engagement expert, best-selling author, and international keynote speaker. She is a Top 100 Global Employee Engagement Influencer, authored the best-selling book, If Not You, Who?, and works with the best and brightest global leaders to improve productivity and retention, customer satisfaction, and revenue growth. Jill can be reached at +1.303.999.9224 or jillspeaker@outlook.com.