by: ALEXANDRA HOYLAND
Public Relations Specialist at A. Pomerantz & Co.
January 31, 2018
When it comes to millennials in the work world there are mixed comments both negative and positive. Being a millennial myself, I enjoy hearing and reading both sides of the topic. While researching my next post for Pomerantz’s Twitter page, I stumbled across an article about millennial employees (2017, December) To Retain Millennial Employees Workplaces Need to Support Mentorship, Metropolis Magazine.
The article starts off by telling the readers about a statistical poll performed by Gallup, which states that in 2016 less than one-third of millennial employees are actively “engaged” with their jobs. The study also shows that only half of millennial workers plan to be at their current job in a year’s time and that six in ten are open to other work opportunities, making it one of the least engaged work forces in generations.
As millennials we have the reputation of not being able to stay at a job for a long period of time, but I have a different view on the Gallup poll. Millennials are looking for where they fit, where they can leave their mark, and how they can change the way things are done. They have ideas, different approaches on how to work, and first-hand knowledge of technology. Millennials are moving where the opportunities are. They may love the job they’re currently at, but an opportunity may pop-up where they’re able to move up faster and further learn somewhere else. *Cue the song ”Should I Stay or Should I Go?” by The Clash*
Millennials grew up watching their grandparents and maybe even their parents stay at the same job their whole careers and we know that’s something we don’t want. That doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate the experience we’ve gained from our multiple different career moves, in fact it’s helping us to apply ourselves further in our career.
The Metropolis Magazine also mentions how companies are starting to focus on how spaces can facilitate mentoring by getting managers out of the offices and into the workplace to create a collaborative environment. At Pomerantz, we do just that! Our CEO and COO have their own private quiet rooms, but their desks are out on the floor with everyone else. This is a new design that many companies are changing to. By doing this, it breaks down barriers and makes people feel more comfortable to approach their managers and superiors!