Older individuals make up most of the current workforce. It can be difficult to understand and relate to a younger generation. To help, I will share with you my how-to guide so you feel prepared to add millennials to your work team.

Don’t Hesitate

Millennials are living in a fast-paced world, and their job is no different. Studies show that millennials are getting more and more job offers, so they have earned the right to be picky about the job they want. In other words, if you are considering hiring a well-qualified millennial, don’t wait to make the offer. They are likely to be receiving other offers!

Go Green

The average millennial cares more about the environment than the average member of previous generations. If you show that you are doing your part to conserve the beautiful Earth, then it is more likely that Millennials will consider your company. You need to keep up-to-date on Green energy and do your best to include environmentally beneficial practices in your business. Having a smaller carbon footprint feels good, and it helps to create a great culture.

 

Utilize their Recruiting Talent

Theories on how to find employees can vary, but millennials are great at recruiting each other. They like to work with their friends. Some companies are able to find great talent simply by telling their current employees that they need a new hire. The average millennial is very connected with former schoolmates, colleagues, and friends. Through all of these connections, you might find your next great employee.

Additionally, once you have a few millennials in the workplace, other millennials will feel more comfortable working with your company because they will not be alone!

 

Understand Them

Millennials don’t typically act the same in the workplace as Gen X’ers or Baby Boomers. They were raised in a different way, and you need to understand their differences. They aren’t aliens though. Treat them like humans and try to understand what they bring to the table.

Millennials, like any other generation, have expectations of their employer. The first thing a lot of millennials look for is the opportunity to keep learning. A lot of millennials are fresh out of school and have the desire and drive to keep learning. So, if you are looking to hire millennials, make sure that you have plenty of options for them to expand their knowledge! This will also help your company in the long run. They will be able to bring their new-found knowledge back and share it with the other employees.

Since many are new graduates, a lot of them have student loans hovering over their heads. If you offer loan repayment programs, this can be a very attractive feature of your company that sets you apart from the rest. Keep this in mind if you are specifically looking to hire individuals from the millennial age group.

While you do not have to incorporate all of the ideas into your personal guide for hiring millennials, incorporating one or more is a great way to get millennials interested in your company! You may also find that your other employees like these structural changes and you will have an excited group of people on your hands that are ready to work and be productive!

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Millennials are defined as a population group of people born between the years of 1977 – 1994. Coming behind the footsteps of a population defined as Generation X (those born between the mid ‘60’s and early 70’s), millennials have profited from the societal and technological advances of those who came before them and have carved out their own unique place in society. Listed below are four markets that are booming because of millennials.

 

Cycling

Long gone are the days when riding a bicycle is considered to be an activity for children or athletes. Many millennials have chosen bicycling as an economical, eco friendly alternative to driving a car or using public transportation. Bicycle shops and cycling co-ops are thriving in major cities and small towns alike as on-road cyclists and touring groups share more of the road with motorists.

 

Bike retailers are not the only markets that are profiting from the cycling boom. Looking uniquely stylish on a bike is important to cycling enthusiasts. Custom safety gear like helmets and footwear are very popular among riders, as well as tech-forward wearables such as breathable jerseys and padded spandex shorts are flying off the shelves of retailers worldwide. What used to be a child’s casual plaything and a niche athlete’s equipment is now a burgeoning obsessions for a generation of people.

 

Craft Beer

Craft beer is generally defined as beer that is produced in small batches using organic ingredients and non-mechanized methods of productions. It is an alternative to standard commercial beer made in large batches that the typical consumer can purchase in any package store or commercial grocery chain. Craft beer breweries pride themselves in being a unique local skill that cannot be experienced in a random corner pub.

 

The amount of local craft beer breweries has grown exponentially as each business strives to offer a unique brew that satisfies even the most discerning of pallets. From IPAs, to stouts, to lagers, each brand of craft beer has its own unique flavor and often carries with it a local history that is legend to local consumers. Some craft breweries have become so popular that they offer coveted swag such as t-shirts and pint glasses that consumers can purchase to display their local brewery pride. Although some craft breweries offer their most popular brands on limited commercial basis, most die-hard craft beer fans are loyal small batch offerings that are available only in their area.

 

Vaping

Unlike the generation that preceding them, millennials did not grow up with cigarette advertisements featuring handsome men and glamorous women who touted the virtues of smoking. Instead, they grew up with warning from the Surgeon General that detailed the dangers of smoking. With warnings of lung cancer and heart disease looming overhead, they flocked to vaping, the smoking alternative that eliminates the tar and chemicals found in most tobacco products.

 

As the popularity of vaping grows, internet retailers and local shops offer vape products and accessories such as batteries, e liquid tanks, and flavored e-juices in various nicotine strengths that provide a new experience that is similar to smoking. Most major cities feature vape lounges where aficionados can experience a plethora of new flavors and blends that satisfy the discerning tastes of local vape enthusiasts as well as tourists seeking a local hometown experience.

 

Micro-Housing

As the cost of housing and utilities rose during the 2000’s, so did the interest downsized living reduced energy footsteps. The outcome of this interest is a rise in Micro-Housing – a minimalistic lifestyle that combines sustainable energy such as solar paneling with small, sensible living spaces.

 

Millennials are carving out living spaces for themselves that reduce the waste of valuable resources while creating a living space that safe and cozy. Contractors are not the only beneficiaries of this small home trend. Artisans who creature furniture created from repurposed items and materials are in high demand. Tiny homes are as unique as they are economical.

 

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