By Ron Maxwell - CEO
Today, we have more Millennial workers in our workforce than any other generation closely followed by Generation Z. The employment goals and values of these generations differ substantially to the generations who went before them, yet the way we discuss and promote jobs and careers hasn’t changed all that much.
I wanted to share some of my thoughts on how we can change the careers conversation and why we should.
Embracing the generational shift is important
There are many stereotypes about Millennials and Gen Zs, particularly when it comes to employment. We’ve all heard them; things like Millennials don’t want to take direction, they job hop, and they want to be the boss from day one. While these are generalisations not reality, it’s worth noting that these generations have been shaped by lifelong access to digital technologies, and this does give them a different outlook.
As an employer, it’s important to embrace the shift and recognise where you can make use of these changing attitudes and behaviours in your business. For example, as digital natives, these generations are used to instant access to information, responses and feedback to solve challenges. What this essentially means is that they want to address a problem and move on to the next one swiftly, or they risk getting bored. In a world of constant change, there are many good ways to leverage agile and quick-thinking employees.
It’s also a good idea to think about how you can leverage their digital literacy to embrace new technologies in your business. Whether it be around processes, communication or operations, finding the right technologies can be great for your business and play a role in engaging your people.
Promoting jobs is a whole new ball game
Once, promoting a competitive salary and benefits was enough to attract quality candidates. Today, younger generations want to know what a business stands for – and they want to make sure that it is not about a set of written values, but about lived ones.
I have experienced this first-hand with the Gen Z team members here at VERTO. At Christmas last year, we ran a program called 12 Days of Giving, whereby VERTO donated to a different community organisation each day in the lead up to Christmas. The feedback I received from our Gen Z team members was overwhelming. Statements like “This is why I work for VERTO,” made it clear that living our values in this way is a critical part of our employee value proposition.
When promoting opportunities in your business, think about how you can highlight and demonstrate these lived values, as it is a great way to attract and retain quality candidates. Another thing that is important to Millennial job seekers is professional development and learning opportunities. Highlighting how you support your employees to upskill through training initiatives or on-the-job learning has a big role to play.
Higher job mobility is a reality, but you can keep your team engaged
Let’s face it, gone are the days when employees will stay in a job they don’t like for the pay cheque alone. Younger generations do tend to job hop more than previous generations but it’s not all bad news.
Deloitte’s 2020 Millennial Survey reports that job loyalty increases as businesses address employee needs, from diversity and inclusion to sustainability and reskilling, so you can play a role in reducing turnover. It’s not necessarily about planning for employees to leave after a few years, it’s about rethinking how you keep them engaged.
A diverse and inclusive workforce remains a priority
A diverse and inclusive workforce has so many benefits for a business, from a more positive workplace culture to increased customer loyalty, and, as the Deloitte study references, it plays a critical role in engaging younger generations.
At VERTO, we work to match employers and job seekers from all backgrounds, including mature-aged workers and those with a disability, and we see the benefits first-hand. If increasing diversity in your workplace is a priority for you, reach out to VERTO to find out how we can help you achieve this important goal.
Speak to your local employment service provider
Local employment service providers, like VERTO, are matching employers and young people looking for work on a regular basis. This really gives our team an edge when it comes to understanding what Millennial job seekers are looking for and helping you find the right candidates for your business. As a registered training organisation, we also offer a number of short courses and qualifications and can help you find ways to upskill and reskill your team to help your business remain competitive.
If you are looking at your employment and training needs in 2021, get in touch with VERTO on 1300 483 786 or
