1. What are we looking for when searching for new talent? Is it a personable, savvy, self-starter of
an individual? One who is collaborative and resourceful, who shows initiative, and is flexible?
Over the course of six interviews with Katie Ly (GO! Experience Design), Melissa Berry
(Ketchum), Stephanie Shum (Fathom Communications), Lauren Stephenson (Hearts & Science),
Ed Frankel (Omnicom Health Group), and Perri Grinberg (RAPP). We found that the best ways
to reach experienced millennials is to provide them with a workplace that accepts you for you,
gives you feedback, and support. Allowing them to be heard no matter what their title may be
is prominent. Does this sound like the “typical workplace” to you? Because it shouldn’t. This is
what the workplace environment in the near future will look like.
Millennials want an organization that customizes the workplace environment. A culture that is
unlike anything else. The difference between millennials and other generations is that
millennials will take the steps needed in order to get those things to happen.
The five strategic actions that your company can do to best reach experienced millennials:
o Provide a diverse culture
o Build an open door policy
o Create incentives within the workplace as a way to show that they are recognized
o Allow them to have a voice
o Take initiative to show that they are being heard
Overall, it’s not only understanding the best ways to reach experienced millennials by what
they want and need in the workplace. Essentially taking the initiative and implementing it is
strategic! Taking action is imperative. For example, some of our companies are creating ways to
help support and improve their workplace.
At GO! Experience Design, they implemented a company-wide “Balance Challenge,” where over
the course of several weeks, they engaged in various group activities that helped them learn
ways to maintain happier, healthier, more productive lives. The areas of focus included rest and
work, exercise, nutrition, relationships, and fun. It was a fantastic way to interact and bond with
colleagues.
Ketchum has a group called “Random Acts of Ketchum”, which provides a culture for people to
enjoy, such as kudos cards- You can write to your team when they do well and you get-
How to Best Reach Experienced
Millennials in the Workplace
Recruit Retain Repeat

2. recognized by the office director or CEO. You then can choose a prize or go have coffee with the
CEO or office manager.
Some of Hearts & Science’s best practices to keep millennials engaged and motivated is by
showing their people that they are heard. For example they have a culture committee, fireside
chats, and weekly events such as a happy hour. The culture committee is to collaborate and
come up with different aids to improve the company along with advancing the individual.
Fathom Communications created 10 maxims, their version of the 10 commandments. These
maxims keep each individual grounded in the work they do. The maxims help each Fathomite to
stay focused on every challenge as well as their professional growth. Some of which are Fast &
Smart, Be a Student, Tell a Story, and many more. Maxim Awards are given out when those
maxims are seen in action. As part of the Be a Student Maxim, they offer Fathom University
which is dedicated to employee growth. They have partners come in to share the latest
technology, trends, and offerings. Sometimes they are self-led by Fathomites themselves.
What are you waiting for? Apply the five main factors on how to best reach and access
experienced millennials in your workplace! These factors are a very distinctive competitive
advantage over other companies by providing a workplace that is unique, innovative, and
enjoyable.
Quotes from our own:
“Employees matter- we acknowledge them by providingthem withan open door policy to
the president, weekly happy hours, fireside chats. We listen to our people but most
importantly we hear them.” Lauren Stephenson, Hearts & Science
“Millennialsare the bridge to accessibilityto technology” Stephanie Shum, Fathom
Communications
“Starting with internsfrom the ground up would be our best techniques for recruiting and
retaining millennials” Perri Grinberg, RAPP
“Millennials are adaptable and are in the knowwith culture. They pick up things faster,
especially with technology. They are resourceful. That’s importantin the workplace” Katie
Ly, GO! Experience Design
By: Casey Farley