• by Alexis DeVilling , Op-Ed Contributor, March 4, 2016

The days of suits, ties, and nine-to-fives are long gone. Millennials officially hold the majority share of the American workforce. According to a 2015 Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, Millennials account for 53.3 million active workers. It’s no wonder HR managers are scrambling to identify how their companies should evolve to accommodate this unique generation. To hire (and more importantly retain) millennial employees, companies need to pay attention to the following:

• Open lines of communication: There’s nothing more important than an open door. Millennials crave a more personalized relationship with their coworkers, especially upper management.  Open and often feedback, whether it’s positive reinforcement or opportunities for improvement, will show a vested interest in their personal goals. 

• Collaboration: Hierarchy is healthy, but younger employees should feel confident and empowered to work directly with peers as well as upper management. Cross-departmental engagement is equally important. Being part of the “big picture” will provide Millennials with the sense of inclusion they desire while ensuring their voice is being heard. 

• Career development: It is not uncommon for Millennials to “job hop,” looking for the next opportunity to grow their career. And for employers, turnover doesn’t come cheap. Provide these success-driven employees with clear paths for growth so they can see themselves staying with the company for years to come. 

• Technology: Having a desktop computer running on Windows 2007 shows that you’re a little behind the times. Millennials are plugged-in to a fault. Embracing their dependence on technology will show that you understand how they function day-to-day. 

• Life-work balance: No, this is not written backwards. Millennials tend to put themselves first. If you recognize this trait, you’ll be better prepared to create an environment that supports the need for flexible work schedules, solid benefits, and an engaging corporate culture. Which leads to…

• Work perks: Make your office a place where employees want to go to every day of the week. Millennials thrive on interpersonal relationships and being surrounded with like-minded, motivated people. Therefore, work-from-home options may not be enticing for this group. Instead, offer a flexible work schedule to accommodate busy lifestyles. Other popular work-perks include open workspaces, regular team-building exercises, tuition reimbursement, and free gym memberships.

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