Millennials have taken over the workforce, and they are changing the game. One of the most notable changes is their focus on professional growth and development opportunities.
A striking 87% of millennials rate these opportunities as important to them in a job, compared to 44% of Gen Xers and 41% of baby boomers.
This means that, as a business owner or manager, you need to provide opportunities for your millennial employees to grow and develop if you want to retain them. But what kind of opportunities?
Here are our four ideas:
1. Create a clear path for advancement
Millennials want to know that there is room for them to grow within your company. They don't want to feel like they are stuck in a dead-end job.
To create a clear path for advancement, you need to have a well-defined career ladder that employees can climb. Each rung on the ladder should have specific requirements and expectations. This way, employees will know what they need to do to move up to the next level.
2. Offer mentorship opportunities
Mentorship is a great way for employees to learn and grow. It's also an opportunity for them to develop a relationship with a more experienced colleague who can offer guidance and advice.
Mentorship programs can be formal or informal. Formal programs pair each mentee with a mentor who has been specifically chosen for them. In informal programs, employees are free to choose their own mentors.
3. Encourage continuing education
Continuing education opportunities can take many forms, from online courses to attending conferences and seminars. What's important is that you encourage your employees to never stop learning.
Offering financial assistance for continuing education is a great way to show your employees that you are invested in their professional growth.
4. Provide opportunities to lead
Giving employees the opportunity to lead projects or teams is a great way to help them develop their leadership skills. It's also a way to give them a taste of what it would be like to have a more senior role within your company.
These are just a few ideas for providing professional growth and development opportunities for your employees. By investing in your employees' growth, you will not only retain them, but you will also end up with a more skilled and experienced workforce.
