Post-pandemic, most millennials don’t want to go into an office space at all. Even a hybrid workplace model can scare off those who’d rather take their laptop to a beachfront Airbnb in the Yucatán. However, not every millennial worker is a wandering nomad unsatisfied with the mundanities of modern life. There are still a few left standing who just want more time on their couch, with their dog, partner, or kids.
Even these homebody-ish, family-oriented types still need strong incentives in order to actually come into the office. Why get on the subway or the highway to sit in a dull gray cubicle doing tasks they could do in the tub? To get millennials out the front door and into your office suite, you’ll have to work harder than ever. Here are some ways to create an office environment that might make millennials show up more often.
1. Welcome Their Kids
As much as Baby Boomers want to believe that Millennials are still kids, most are now in their 30s and 40s. While folks in general are more hesitant to have children these days, if anyone’s making babies, it’s this generation. Millennial child-rearers are also much more likely to work than to be stay at home parents. As a result, your office space needs to appeal to parents who’d rather work from home and watch their kids.
One fun option is to include a jungle gym or kid-friendly outdoor fitness equipment on your office campus, for employees and their families. Playgroundequipment.com offers a variety of sets and themes to please both children and adults alike. Even Millennial workers and others who don’t have kids will appreciate these interactive playsets. Consider the slides, ball pits, and other giant, interactive toys at the offices of Google, Red Bull, and Youtube.
2. Keep Them Cozy
Millennials love their creature comforts, like a fresh cup of Starbucks, a favorite pen, or a cozy armchair to relax in. Your goal should be to make the office almost as relaxing a place to be as their own house or apartment. Unless they’re client-facing (and sometimes, even then), allow your employees to dress on the casual side. Make furniture comfortable, and offer lots of amenities like free, high-quality beverages, snacks, toiletries, and more.
For many Millennials, having lots of introvert time and a safe space for their belongings is absolutely key. Office bathrooms should offer absolute privacy, with fully-closing doors or at least no stall gaps. A nice option is to offer employees noise-canceling headphones, and clear systems to let others know when they don’t want to be disturbed. Whatever you do, DO NOT implement a hot desking system — let employees claim, decorate, and nest into their own desks.
3. Help Them Get Fit
Gym memberships can get expensive, so including one with the job can be a major draw for Millennials. But a single, creaky treadmill and a recumbent bike with sticky handlebars just won’t make the cut for this generation. Sure, you may not have the funds for a full-size Equinox in your single-floor office suite. But you can upgrade with an equipment makeover, adding trendy items like new Peloton bikes, Ergatta rowers, or a TRX.
Another perk could be to offer onsite fitness classes or a discounted package with a personal trainer. Millennials want to get (and stay) fit, but they’re also terrified of doing it “wrong” or without enough guidance. Some companies offer fitness challenges, where employees compete with each other to walk the most steps or workout the most. However, while these programs can boost short-term engagement and camaraderie, they don’t tend to provide lasting results.
4. Feed Them
Members of this generation are extremely health conscious, but seemingly only when they want to be. They learn the rules of Whole30 or the Paleo diet, or carry Rx bars in their purses to avoid undue carbs. That’s until the diet is over, or they give up a couple of days or weeks into their latest health kick. Then, they find themselves in hot pursuit of the spiciest chicken wing, the cheesiest quesadilla, or the crispiest mozzarella stick.
Unfortunately, the food options for most American office workers satisfy neither of these dietary habits. Most Millennials have to make a choice between prepping and microwaving sad homemade lunches, eating fast food, or paying $20+ for a fancy salad. Your office can stand out by offering better options, like tasty catering or even an onsite restaurant. You could also offer a fully-stocked onsite kitchen for employees, along with a time-slot sign-up sheet and someone paid to clean it.
5. Offer Onsite Learning Opportunities
Millennials love learning: they’re the most educated generation yet and always seeking out more knowledge. They also want to increase their earning potential, fight financial insecurity and level up their careers. To pique their interest in coming into the office, offer onsite educational opportunities of all kinds. Whether it’s training for a new role, learning a new software program, or even a random new skill, they’re likely to engage.
Offering onsite trainings to qualify them for new positions or departments are always an excellent start. However, you can expand your offerings by bringing in well-known lecturers, or offering unrelated perks like cooking classes or language lessons. Just make sure these opportunities don’t cut into their lunch hours, or otherwise add additional stress. Instead, try cutting work time short to accommodate them — while still paying them for every minute in the office.
Millennials in the Wild
Getting millennials to venture out the front door and into the concrete-paved jungle of your office space is a tall order. To make it work, you’ll have to sweeten the deal by catering to their highest values and most important habits. Making your office fun and engaging, while offering the comforts of home is a really good start. Just remember, they’d always rather be home, so do your best to make the office feel like a second one.
