Richard Branson is renowned for offering his employees more flexibility, including the ability to dress down, work from home and take unpaid leave if they wish. However, Virgin Group recently hit the headlines for holding a corporate day where all employees were asked to behave in the way many traditional firms require. This included formal business wear, using titles when addressing their colleagues and refraining from making personal calls during working hours.
Here Charlotte Walker, branch manager of Brampton Recruitment explains the steps to take to successfully recruit the millennial generation.
The millennial generation, born between 1980 and 2000, will make up 50 per cent of the global workforce by 2020. While this generation still wants security and variety in their career, there’s also a buzz surrounding companies that market their business as unique and thought-leading.
To attract millennial talent, businesses should build an innovative and inspiring working environment. US energy company, Chesapeake boasts a 72,000-square-foot on-site fitness facility, with an Olympic-sized pool, a sand volleyball court and a rock climbing wall.
A full fitness centre isn’t an option for everyone, but incorporating fun and inviting elements into the office is. Management could try adjusting the lighting, adding plants around the office and moving desks to create a more sociable atmosphere.
Whether we like it or not, introducing unique company perks is a great way to entice millennials. Although money is important to this generation, it doesn’t place as much emphasis on their salary. Think beyond compensation and financial perks by offering duvet days, flexible working hours and office competitions.
In a nutshell, businesses should take a closer look at what they’re doing to attract millennials. Taking inspiration from leading companies like Google and Facebook will help improve recruiting efforts and make the workplace more desirable to the younger generation.
Article as featured on QA Education
