Adapting to changing attitudes to the importance of work: Engaging millennial talent

Research today from the World Values Survey has profound implications for employers, especially when it comes to attracting, retaining, and motivating millennial workers here in the UK.

The Evolution of Work Importance

The numbers paint a striking picture: only 73% of people in the UK consider work as "very or rather important in their life." That might sound like a significant majority, but here's the rub: it's the lowest percentage among all 24 countries surveyed. What's even more eye-opening is the fact that between 1981 and 2022, the number of British citizens who expressed a desire for less emphasis on work has nearly doubled, rising from 26% to a significant 43%.

So what do these findings mean for employers, particularly in the context of engaging younger workers.

Understanding the Millennial Mindset

The rise of millennials in the workforce has been a game-changer. These digital natives bring with them a set of values and expectations that challenge traditional notions of work. They prioritise things like work-life balance, personal development, and a sense of purpose over the conventional 9-to-5 grind.

Which makes me think for once in my life I was ahead of the curve - a millennial before my time!

As an employer, understanding this mindset is key to success.

Attracting Millennial Talent

With millennials now making up a significant portion of the workforce, attracting them to your organisation is vital. Here's some thoughts on how to do it:

1. Flexible Work Arrangements: Recognise that millennials value flexibility. Offering remote work options or flexible hours can be a powerful magnet.

2. Embrace Purpose: Millennials are often drawn to organisations with a strong sense of purpose. Showcase your company's commitment to making a positive impact on society.

3. Invest in Development: Millennials crave continuous learning and growth. Offering opportunities for skill development and career advancement is a surefire way to get their attention.

Retaining Millennial Employees

Once you've attracted millennial talent, retaining them requires a different approach:

1. Mentorship Programs: As a mentor myself, I can vouch for the power of coaching and mentoring. Implement support programmes to help millennials navigate their careers within your organisation. The old adage, you've got the help them be good enough to leave you, on the basis they will want to stay.

2. Recognition and Feedback: Regular feedback and recognition for their contributions are essential. Millennials want to know that their work is making a difference and you value you them.

3. Work-Life Balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance. Burnout is real, and for this generation they've often seen their own parents or older colleagues go through it. So providing the tools and support they need to maintain balance is crucial. Note: older workers and managers need to lead by example.

Motivating Millennial Workers

Motivating millennials involves tapping into their intrinsic drivers:

1. Autonomy: Give them the freedom to make decisions and take ownership of their work. Micromanagement won't fly with this generation.

2. Purpose-Driven Goals: Align their tasks with a sense of purpose. Help them see how their work contributes to the bigger picture.

3. Continuous Learning: Millennials thrive on learning. Invest in ongoing training and development opportunities to keep them engaged and growing.

Attitudes towards the importance of work are clearly changing, and employers must adapt. To attract, retain, and motivate millennial workers, it's crucial to understand their values and their priorities.

Flexibility, purpose, development, and recognition are the keys to success in engaging your entire workforce.

In a world where change is the only constant, those who can adapt and align with the aspirations of their people will not only survive but thrive in the future of work.