What Millennial Employees Really Want

The top ways employers can attract Millennials, based on research that shows what they value the most.

After years of being discussed as the up and coming generation, Millennials today have become a major part of the workplace and will comprise over a third of the global workforce by 2020.

This rise in the Millennial critical mass has an impact on workplace norms, expectations and how employers attract top candidates. For example, Millennials are focused on developing the skills to ensure their employment security and build a “career for me.” As a result, companies are rewriting the rules on talent and performance management in response to the Millennial generation. Here are the top ways to attract Millennials, based on what they say they really want.

Work routine flexibility

Millennials are willing to work hard, and they expect to work longer in their careers than previous generations. Because they know retirement will be far away, they prioritize flexible employment opportunities that allow them to blend and balance family, friends, education and personal enrichment. As a result, Millennials envision a career path that has the flexibility to take significant breaks or sabbaticals along the way. They are both the work-hard and the play-hard generation, and they value organizations that allow them to do both.

Training and development

The world is changing every day, and Millennials know that staying relevant and up to date is necessary to maintain momentum in their careers. Millennials understand the need for continuous professional skill development to remain employable. Ninety-six percent want lifelong learning and four out of five say the opportunity to learn a new skill is a top factor when considering a new job according to ManpowerGroup research. It should not come as a surprise that Millennials are redefining job security as career security.

Provide career feedback

Millennials are acutely aware of the stages in their career, and they want to talk openly about how they are progressing. Most Millennials will look for roles that maximize their purpose and contribution, rather than trying to climb the corporate ladder quickly. Lateral movement and visibility into possible career moves emerge as strong needs for Millennials as they navigate their career. Millennials are attracted to and will stick around with employers that offer ongoing and open career conversations that go far beyond the classic performance review discussion.

For more on how employers can attract, retain and develop high-performing Millennials, see the ManpowerGroup report Millennial Careers: 2020 Vision.