One thing that makes Millennials stand out among other generations is their work styles. For one, Millennials doesn’t seem to be motivated by the same things that motivated the generations before them. That’s why luring them and making them stay in your company can be more hard work than you’ve previously thought. Understanding Millennials is the first step in attracting them into your workplace. You have to know what motivates them in their careers. You have to tap into their mindsets to understand their wants and needs. “Millennials view the workplace through the same lens of new technology as any other aspect of their lives: instant, open, and limitless” said Adam Miller, president and CEO of Cornerstone on Demand. So what can companies do to attract and retain top millennial talents? Here are 10 awesome job perks that might give you some ideas.
1. Travel Perks
Forget about buying fancy homes and cars. According to a study led by Harris Group – 72% of Millennials prefer spending money on travel and social events. Companies who offer travel perks will attract many Millennials during their hiring season. Allowing your employees to travel for vacation will make them love working in your company. They will also feel less stressed after their relaxing out of town tour. Airbnb is one example of company who has an envious travel perk for its employees. The company offers a travel credit program that encourages employees to travel four times a year. The system works by giving each employees travel credit at the beginning of each quarter which expires if they don’t use it.
2. Flexible Work Hours
Millennials value personal time. According to a recent study on The Cost of Millennial Retention, 45% of Millennials chose flexibility over higher pay. They’re not so much of a fan of 9-5 work hours and like to be out of the office after the end of the shift. They’re also fan of work from home options which allows them to juggle personal and work schedules efficiently.
3. Free Food
You don’t have to share the world your sad desk lunches anymore. Many companies from startups and small business to big giants like Google, Pixar and Drop box are offering free catered food for their employees. Other companies also found that free food during meetings and Fridays encouraged more employee productivity and attendance.
4. Trainings and Team Building Courses
Millennials are proud to describe themselves as life-long learners. Companies that offer trainings and team building courses earn a lot of good points for this generation. Team building activities are wonderful ways to relieve stress and keep work relationships strong and positive.
5. Game Rooms
Who doesn’t love game time?! Games are the best stress relievers. It’s a good way to have fun and bring people close together. From video games to classic games like Ping-Pong, foosball and darts, game rooms will surely excite your otherwise boring office environment. It will improve company culture, and even retain your best millennial employees.
6. Pet Insurance
Pets in the office are the new cool. And one in every three fortune 500 companies now offers Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI). These companies believe that bringing pets in the workplace can actually increase workplace morale and decrease stress and work fatigue. What a great treat for many millennial animal lovers!
7. Gym Membership, Spa, or Yoga
A healthy employee is a happy employee – and happy employees get the job done. Millennials are one of the most health-conscious generations. If you want to keep them in your company, wellness programs are going to make them stick around.
8. Offsite Charity Events
Grow your company and give back something good to the world. Millennials believe companies should contribute towards a good cause; it should be able to give them jobs which create exciting new experiences and make life more meaningful. It could be as simple as serving lunch at a food bank or cleaning up local beaches. If your company hosts offsite charity events from time to time, you’ll likely attract a lot of Millennials.
9. Freebies
Free Netflix subscription, magazine, gadgets, or whatever the company is selling are small but effective incentives to earn employee loyalty and attract new hires, especially Millennials. Millennials are the best budget savvy people who will do anything to get something for less – or free!
10. Commute Allowance
Commuting to work can be stressful and gas and metro passes can be expensive. Show your employees you care by giving them their monthly commute allowance. This will not only be a form of a kind gesture but also help keep your best and brightest Millennial around for longer. Featured photo credit: Steven Lewis via unsplash.com
