One word sums it up: the key to attracting top Millennial workers to your company is a “chill” culture. We held two online focus groups among Millennials at marketing companies around the country. Most participants have MBAs and several years of work experience. The conversation, moderated by Carolyn Torres, a Millennial herself, centered on their lives at work, their frustrations and what makes them happy.
It will not come as a surprise that what matters most to Millennials is their work team. However, a great team is not enough. Nearly as important as the team to their satisfaction was the culture. Here’s a sample of how the happy ones talk about their jobs:
I love the culture at XXX, which has become very chill and youthful. Plus, people are quite laid back and not overly competitive. …For example, we have Nintendo Wii in the office and have tournaments among the business unit. – Brand Manager, Major CPG firm
I’ve been at my new job for three days now. Up until this point, I’ve bounced from job to job a lot. Well, it’s brand new… but so far I really like the people, the energy and the culture.– Account Exec, major ad agency
I’m still new; however, like I said, I like the people I work with (my co-workers, manager, sales team) and therefore am motivated to do my best. — Manager, Major Commercial Realty Firm
Their biggest complaints? Micro managers and not enough challenge.
I totally agree… I have some managers that are totally hands off and then disagree with what you do and then I have the opposite that micromanage and don’t do any work. I wish i could find some managers in the middle.
I don’t feel my employer makes use of my skills. And that’s pretty much the stem of my discontent with my current job. I did recently approach the SVP of the area in which I’d excel and explained to her my situation, thoughts, hopes to grow my career. It’s hard to approach an exec, but I’ve learned that it often pays to go straight to the top.
When asked if they could tell their boss one thing, what would it be, most indicated a desire to tell them they need more challenge…and more balance. Of course, a raise and a promotion, wouldn’t hurt either!
Keep me challenged because as soon as I get bored I start to move on… I might not actually make a move, but I will start thinking about it. Manager, Consumer Durables Company
I would tell my Boss that they need to place more responsibility in the hands of younger employees so they grow into the roles.
I didn’t realize how much time was spent on process and meeting where nothing gets accomplished. I think they are making the most of my abilities but could get a bit more if my manager didn’t micromanage. – Market Research Manager, Major Pharmaceuticals Company
More autonomy and simplifed decision processes would help. In a multifunctional team dynamic, it takes ages to get a decision made. — Brand Manager, multinational CPG firm