Are you tired of hearing about working with millennials yet? I hope not, because this army of young employees will make up 50 percent of the U.S. workforce by 2030 (that's only 16 years out!).
Roughly speaking, the millennial generation was born anytime from the early '80s through the mid-'90s. Because this was a boom time for personal and work technology, you can expect that these young professionals are used to working in a digital (i.e., computer) environment.
But there's lots more to this group, and HR and benefits pros who really "get" millennials will have a distinct advantage in recruiting these workers.
Here are 20 facts about working with millennials — and 20 takeaways for HR pros — that are valuable to every organization with its eye toward growth:
1.) Sixty-eight percent would like to be personally called out for their efforts.
HR takeaway: A public thank you makes their day.
2.) For their wins, 52 percent of millennials want individuals awards.
HR takeaway: Group recognition may not fly.
3.) They're more miserly than their predecessors.
HR takeaway: Because they save and invest more than gen X and baby boomers, retirement programs are a must.
4.) Millennials expect competitive benefits packages and competitive salaries.
HR takeaway: In their eyes, compensation is more than a paycheck.
5.) Half of millennial employees evaluate their benefits options.
HR takeaway: Yes, they're reading your benefits communications (so make sure they rock)!
6.) Almost three-quarters of millennials are willing to share personal information to get better service.
HR takeaway: You'll lose 'em with poor service.
7.) The average millennial sends 20 texts daily.
HR takeaway: Consider mobile technology for HR and benefits communication.
8.) Co-creating with colleagues appeals to 40 percent of millennials.
HR takeaway: They don't want to work alone all the time.
9.) A third of millennials want questions answered in real time.
HR takeaway: A frequently updated intranet, searchable databases, and social technology can provide intel without delay.
10.) About 60 percent find work meetings to be less than efficient.
HR takeaway: Traditional meetings are killing their productivity.
11.) Almost half of millennials have 200-plus Facebook friends.
HR takeaway: They could be great allies when it comes to recruiting new hires.
12.) Fifty-six percent say technology makes them more efficient.
HR takeaway: It's likely they're turned off by outdated software, paper forms, and unreliable Internet connections.
13.) About two-thirds never have been married.
HR takeaway: Benefits for dependents could be less important to them.
14.) Sixty percent produce and share content online.
HR takeaway: Hoarding information doesn't make sense to them.
15.) A whopping 80 percent of millennials sleep with their phones next to their beds.
HR takeaway: If you want to get in touch, try their cell phone.
16.) Forty percent say blogging about work stuff is OK.
HR takeaway: Workplace issues are less taboo to millennials vs. other generations.
17.) Almost 90 percent of millennials will share brand preferences online.
HR takeaway: They could promote your employer brand through their personal social media profiles.
18.) About half want interactive channels through which they can connect to brands.
HR takeaway: Give them a forum for sounding off on what works and what doesn't in your organization.
19.) Millennials prefer frequent, informal check-ins to formal meetings.
HR takeaway: They want a flexible work environment.
20.) When it comes to millennials; they want customizable benefits and will "shop" for an employer culture that fits their needs.
HR takeaway: Fitting in has little appeal, and one size does not fit all.