The labour market is on the brink of a generational change. As boomers start retiring, they are being replaced by millennials and Gen Z. And they have a completely new outlook on work and building a career. Indeed, many employers are already adapting their workplace to suit millennial career aspirations.
Others are still resisting the idea of making any changes to accommodate millennials and Gen Z work-life balance demands. But, as Olinio recruitment experts observe, even the most die-hard conservative employers start understanding this fact. The labour market is teeming with young talent. And they will go to work for companies that take their preferences into account.
And, as a recent survey found, these preferences are not exaggerated or rebellious. Young people’s work expectations and outlook on building a career include:
1. Flexibility, but Not Complete Isolation from Colleagues
Millennial job satisfaction is tied to a flexible schedule and a hybrid work setting. But they do not deny the importance of being present at the office. Although 61% of young professionals feel more productive in a hybrid work setting, they acknowledge that going to the office for a few days per week is extremely important.
They see the office as the place where great ideas are formed and where team members can forge a close bond and create a thriving culture. Also, they see the office as the cornerstone for professional growth and learning to blend into various work cultures.
2. Loyalty to the Right Company
Despite the general belief, Gen Z and millennials are not job hoppers. The Gen Z workplace culture still retains the concept of growing in a company and staying loyal to an employer.
However, they will offer their loyalty in exchange of:
- A challenging job role
- Real opportunities for career growth
- Transparency about career opportunities from the beginning of the employment
- A workplace that adapts quickly to current work trends.
This is something that both recruiters and employers must take to heart. For Olinio, keeping up with the young generations’ work expectations is essential when we advise companies on hiring and retaining talents.
3. It’s Not Only about the Money
Millennial career aspirations go beyond the salary. Yes, they appreciate the value of fair remuneration. But they also need to feel joy and purpose in their work. This generation is not satisfied with the 9-to-5 grind. They understand that they will spend the biggest part of their life at work.
So, they want to find meaning in what they do. And this is one of the things Olinio encourages both candidates and companies seeking to recruit: finding (and creating) the dream job. It is not about finding perfection, but the point where personal and corporate values meet.
4. The Role of the Four Cs
Gen Z career aspirations are also influenced by the soft skills they are developing to a greater degree compared to previous generations. These, the so-called four Cs, are:
- Critical thinking
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativity
In the internet age, technology fosters these four skills to a very high degree. We are already talking about the first generation born with a smartphone in their hand. The same generation is growing up with AI and remote collaboration tools.
It is the most tech-savvy generation and, with proper honing of these skills, they can prove the biggest transformers of the workplace.
Not Sure How to Adapt to Millennial Career Aspirations? Let Olinio Help You!
Attracting talents from the younger generational group has new challenges. The millennial work-life balance demands cannot be ignored. However, these young professionals also bring added value to the workplace, through their creative problem-solving mindset.
Your company cannot ignore the millennial and Gen Z career aspirations any longer. If you struggle with reshaping your job ads and recruitment strategy to attract young talents, reach out to Olinio today!