Generation Millenials: how to attract and retain them?

Generation Z represents a population of individuals born beginning in 1994. They are also called “Millenials” or “Digital Natives”, and we frequently include the part of Generation Y born in the 90s. By 2020, this population of young workers will represent more than 50% of the workforce of French companies, hence the crucial challenge in the years to come.

What are they looking for in the professional world?

A generation demanding of itself, Millenials would be strongly attracted to entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity. They are also characterized by immediacy, an essential concept with which they grew up. Millenials do not project salary as the main source of motivation, and prefer to find themselves in accordance with the values conveyed by their company and share them with their environment. They favor mentoring and continuing training systems, and want to benefit from significant flexibility (hours, teleworking, mobility). Working methods should also be shaken up, since according to a Deloitte study, 68% of Generation Y consider it “inconceivable” to work in a “rigid” company. According to the same study, flexibility is a vector of performance and retention among Millenials. Missions must be diversified and coordinated in project, “agile”, and horizontal mode.

How can we respond to this new challenge?

When 38% of Millenials plan to leave their company less than two years after arriving, we know that the challenge will be significant. However, solutions do exist. Promote collaboration and teamwork, offer training, and promote societal and responsible values. You should also put an end to the overly obvious statutory privileges that Millenials don't accept, and promote the transparency of your organization (numbers, strategy, etc.).

Deloitte study.