What do Millennials look for in both work and life?

Many hiring managers regard Millennials to be a mysterious lot, as the values that this generation holds stand in stark contrast to what they have embraced throughout their careers. What exactly do Millennials want from their work and personal lives? This article will aim to shed some light on what this new cohort seeks to get out of life.

To contribute towards a higher purpose

Millennials seek to impact the world in a positive way, whether it is through their job or through volunteer opportunities. They want to work with companies that have a clear vision for making this world a better place, as this century has the environment and society at a crossroads.

Enterprises that can best articulate how they are working to help make things better will have an advantage over other businesses in securing top Millennial talent.

The pursuit of a high quality of life

Every generation seeks a quality of life that is better than that of the previous one. Millennials are no different, but they often seek to gain in areas such as time and location flexibility as well.

A decent salary is highly desired by millennials, but perks such as fitness centers, break areas with amusements such as foosball tables, and remote working arrangements often tip the scale in favor of companies that are bold enough to offer them.

To be connected to the things that matter most to them

The rise of the Internet occurred in parallel with the formative years of the Millennials, so it should come as no surprise that they value companies that are savvy with regards to its ability to bring people together.

The internet allows Millennials to be connected to the things that matter to them the most, whether it is the latest developments in the lives of their friends, a hobby that they are interested in, or recent advancements in their field.

Smart companies have taken advantage of this tendency by building social messaging platforms within their intranet. This provides Millennial employees a collaborative tool that enables them to get work done in a manner that is second nature to them.

Financial and employment security

While the above listed qualities are all things that Millennials actively seek in their lives, they desire financial security just as much as previous generations. The last 20 years have seen a shift in the global business landscape, with positions in many industries being automated, outsourced or streamlined.

This has created a climate of job instability, with many Millennials often being forced to shift from one temporary gig to another. Companies that wish to attract top Millennial talent should not discount the impact of offering salaries that are above the industry average, as well as providing a work environment that is forgiving of non-fatal mistakes.

This latter quality embraces the entrepreneurial spirit that many in this generation have adopted in response to the employment challenges that many of them have faced in recent years.