Younger generations often get a bad rap when it comes to their work ethic, preferences or just about anything else.
But the truth is, they aren’t a bunch of lazy, entitled kids. They are strong, entrepreneurial and resilient. Their career-related needs and goals are often different than those a bit farther into their careers.
As an employer, how can you ensure your organization is attractive to the newest professionals?
For starters, look at this list to find out what they really want from their careers.
5 Ways to Engage and Attract Young Professionals With Your Company Culture
Engagement
Perhaps above all else, young professionals want a sense of purpose in their careers. They aren’t content clocking in at 9, turning their brains off for eight hours, then clocking out at 5. They want to do something with the 40+ hours they spend working.
Potential for Growth
Speaking of a challenge, most new professionals aren’t content finding a job and sticking with it for 30 years. They want to grow – both personally and professionally.
While they most likely won’t say no to a well-deserved promotion, they also want to be challenged. Of course, you don’t want to give them more than they can handle – or they are contractually obligated to take care of – but you should allow them to explore further responsibilities in their position, perhaps with purposeful guidance or mentorship.
Flexibility
As many jobs are becoming project-based in nature, the 40-hour workweek is quickly becoming a relic of the past. With the rise of remote and hybrid work, many professionals are looking for some sort of flexibility and are willing to be picky to find just the right job.
Because of advancements in technology, a lot of work can be done from almost anywhere in the world. Keep this in mind, and consider allowing a more “open” policy regarding where – and when – your employees do their work. Companies are still exploring what it means to provide work situations that are: work from home, remote, work from anywhere, hybrid and more. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, flexibility, where you are able to accommodate it, can attract top talent.
Mentorship
Young professionals want goals and often have the drive to go after them with energy – but they will need guidance from time to time.
Rather than adopting a “my way or the highway” attitude, make clear why you want things done a certain way – and guide your younger employees toward the best strategies for doing so.
On the other side of this, many young professionals enjoy the chance to teach others. Allow your employees time to work with newer employees and get them up to speed on the processes of the organization. Not only will this empower them, it will also take a lot off your plate. This also allows you to identify and develop leaders from within your workforce.
Teamwork
Many younger professionals thrive on teamwork, collaboration, and cooperation. (On a side note: just because these newer generations use technology to communicate more than older generations doesn’t mean this communication is inauthentic.)
Provide opportunities for them to work with their colleagues on tasks and projects. When everyone works together, your organization can end up doing amazing things.
Why Does This Matter?
Businesses are better balanced, diverse and productive when they understand the benefits and positive impact that employees across the age spectrum can have on an organization. These five culture pieces can be applied across your company in a way that is meaningful and inclusive of all ages. While age should not be a factor in hiring, promotion or pay, it is helpful to understand the strengths and energy that individuals bring to the table, and companies who capitalize on that are more adaptable.
Are you looking to bring new talent to your organization? The Panther Group can help.
As a top national staffing firm with over 30 years of experience and expertise, our hands-on approach and single point of contact ensure that each employer and job seeker is treated as our most important customer. This approach, combined with our specific industry knowledge, creates the right fit the first time. We can help you manage your staffing and workforce needs across a spectrum of professional skill-sets.
We serve a variety of industries and can help you find talent in the following areas: Professional, Accounting & Finance, Engineering, Life Sciences, Information Technology, Federal.
Are you looking for professional staffing solutions? Contact us today! Call us, request an employee, or search our jobs.
Looking for a Job? Whether you are a new or a seasoned professional or somewhere in between, we’d love to partner with you on your career journey!
Call 855-899-JOBS (5627)