Millennials place a high priority on career growth opportunities, competitive salaries, flexible work hours, and collaborative work environments with some autonomy. They prefer the coaching management style with weekly check-ins rather than micromanaging. Popular office perks for attracting and retaining Millennials include free food and drinks, coffee bars, exercise classes, and wellness rooms. Millennials typically work 7-10 hour days but are actively working for only 5-8 hours, preferring flexibility over longer hours.

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Are You Hiring? Here's How to Snag a Millennial
We surveyed hundreds of Millennials to better understand what they're looking for in
a job and what they want out of their careers.
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The next generation is storming corporate America with a less than stellar reputation, but oodles
of talent. As the largest, most educated, and most technical generation to ever hit the workforce,
it's important to know what makes them tick.
Instead of believing the rumors, we surveyed this group of 18-35 year-olds and got the real scoop
on what they need to feel satisfied at work. Get an inside look at this talented, career-driven
demographic, and find out what it takes to attract them to your company.
The Basics:
42%
Looking for a competitive salary when job
hunting
28%
Want a collaborative environment, followed by
autonomy with 25 percent, and flexible hours
with 20 percent
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2. 27%
Put an emphasis on engaging projects over
salary and office perks
40%
Looking to move up the corporate ladder
followed by 25 percent looking for higher pay
Unlike previous generations that put an emphasis on settling down and starting a family, Gen Y's
are focused on driving their careers forward. For many in this group, climbing the corporate
ladder is both a professional and life goal. Coupled with this is the desire for a competitive
paycheck—25 percent of those polled valued increased compensation over a promotion.
While promotions and salaries are top of mind, many people we surveyed noted that they really
want it all—from good pay, to comprehensive benefits, and a company with a conscious. This
generation demands a lot from their organization—but an investment in employees is an
investment in the business.
71%
Prefer the coaching management style
65%
Prefer meeting with management once a week
The coaching management style guides direct reports to a solution rather than handing them an
answer. It makes sense that a manager who emphasizes autonomy and brainstorming would
appeal to this strong-willed group. The runner up was democratic style with 17 percent and third
was affiliative style with 8 percent.
Aside from the preference for coaching, it was made clear that Millennials feel very strongly about
micromanaging. Micromanagement came up loud and clear when asked why they left their
previous job. This group likes a certain amount of autonomy but with just enough guidance to help
them climb that ladder.

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45%
Free snacks and lunch are the most alluring in-office perk followed by coffee bars with 16 percent,
happy hours with 13 percent, and group exercise classes with 11 percent
It should not come as a surprise that office perks are a huge draw for this demographic. The
career-driven Millennial is happy to spend a few extra hours slugging through a project, but they
want to have a few extras to make overtime more enjoyable. Amenities like wellness rooms,
lounges, and coffee bars make the office feel more like home, which means it isn’t so bad if you
have to pull a late night.
7-10 Hours
Standard work day for most Millennials
5-8 Hours
Spent actively working during the work day
Longer work days may be the norm, but summer Fridays and unlimited vacation days make up for
it. In fact, this generation would rather work a longer day in order to have this flexibility. Those
starting families appreciate a schedule that can slide earlier or later to accommodate family time.
When asked about their preferred hours, the group was split between a classic 9-5 schedule and
an earlier start—leaving more time for networking and time with family and friends.
Here is a quick hit check list to get your company to the top of the Millennials list:
1. Room to grow
2. Flexible working hours
3. A collaborative environment
4. Autonomy with weekly manager check-ins
5. Lots of snacks and coffee
6. High earning potential

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