Engaging the Future Workforce: Must-Have Elements for Effective HR Videos

Millennials and Gen Z want HR communication that's way more chill. And guess what? Videos are taking center stage. Here's what these digital natives are looking for in their HR updates.

1. Appropriate Production Value

Millennials and Gen Z grew up with YouTube in their back pockets and TikTok on repeat. Fancy video production is like oxygen to them, no big deal. But that doesn't mean they want a Hollywood blockbuster every time HR has an announcement.

While a TikTok dance party probably isn't the right context for your company's health insurance update, viewers still expect some effort. Grainy footage shot on a potato won't exactly scream "credible employer." They see how much polish goes into the ads you bombard customers with, so they expect an appropriate level of respect when it comes to internal communications. It's all about keeping your brand consistent, inside and out.

Some companies are tackling this by merging their HR and marketing teams into one big, happy content family. This isn't always an option, but the key is making sure whoever's producing employee videos has access to similar resources as the marketing wizards. You know, good lighting, decent cameras, maybe even someone who doesn't trip over the microphone stand.

“…many employees are sophisticated viewers and will have high expectations of any benefits-related video.”

– Vern Oakley for SHRM

2. A Sense of Purpose

It’s not just about the paycheck and dental plan - millennials want more. Work isn't just a place to clock in and out anymore, it's like an extension of themselves. They crave purpose, a sense that their daily grind is making a real difference.

This is where killer HR videos come in. Ditch the boring company spiel and show your employees how their work truly matters.? Think client testimonials or video job descriptions that go beyond the typical "duties and responsibilities."? Get creative and show how their role impacts customers and the world around them.

Here's the bonus: focusing on purpose isn't just good for your employees' egos, it's good for business too. Studies show happy, motivated employees equal happy profits. So ditch the snoozefest videos and get ready to show your team why their work is awesome.? They'll thank you for it (and your bottom line will too).

“Wharton management professor Adam Grant found that call center employees were 171 percent more productive when they had the opportunity to spend time learning about the impact their services were having on the end customer.”

– Deloitte 2019 Global Human capital Trends

3. Training on their Schedule

Millennial and Gen Z workers want to learn on their terms, and videos are their jam.? There's a growing acceptance that training needs to be flexible. You want to learn about that new software at 2 am while wearing pajamas? No problem!

This video learning trend isn't just for the youngling either. People across all generations are digging the on-demand format. The good news? There are a ton of options to personalize your video learning experience, from fancy AI "learning coaches" to internal YouTube-like platforms. Even a sprinkle of video magic in a traditional course can boost engagement.

“Survey data shows that employees want self-directed learning opportunities accessible in the flow of work. One way to accomplish that is through online learning, which enables employees to learn in the moment of need.”

– Linkedin Learning 2019 Workplace Training Report

Speaking of flexibility…

4. Communication Wherever They are

With lightning-fast internet on everyone's phones, HR videos have to be mobile-friendly. Think about it: remote workers, long commutes, people who aren't desk-bound all day - they all need to access critical employee benefits information on the go. Imagine trying to learn about the new vision plan while crammed on the subway with a laptop bigger than your head.?

The bottom line? Make sure your HR video platform is mobile-friendly. That way, your whole workforce can learn whenever, wherever -? even if it's while mastering the art of the one-handed shuffle on their morning commute.?

“For those who enable learners with mobile today, you can provide [an] incentive for employees to join your company, benefit from a modern onboarding experience, and better retain employees in the long run by empowering them to do their job every day.”

– Jeff Carr, CEO of Inkling in HR Technologist

So What Does This Mean?

The game has changed, people.? Gone are the days when companies could get away with boring employee communications while their customer-facing stuff looked like it came straight out of Hollywood.? The focus is on the employee experience now, and that means upping your video game (pun intended).

High-quality HR videos that fire up your team, show them why their work matters, and let them learn on their own terms are no longer a luxury - they're a necessity.? So ditch the long lectures and embrace the power of video. Your employees (and your bottom line) will thank you for it!