This generation has become a focal point in the corporate world and for good reason. Gallup estimates there are 73 million millennials in America — creating the largest segment of individuals in the workplace. Soon millennials will make up half of the U.S. workforce and by 2030, 75 percent. Therefore, their opinion about employer benefits matters; soon enough, they’ll oversee them! Consider the following priorities millennials want their employers to leverage in corporate wellness programs.
Integrated technology
This generation, more than any other in the workplace today, thrives on the integration of technology. Corporate wellness programs that leverage smart devices, applications and other tracking will be more likely to spark the interest and engagement of these employees. Some key statistics were shared by Gallup that give interesting insight into what millennials value and how they operate in today’s workplace, “millennials are first-generation digital natives who feel at home on the Internet… Technology – particularly gadgets like smartphones, but also tablets and laptops – have revolutionized the way they connect and interact with one another and the rest of the world.” If your programs don’t incorporate an element of technology that can be connected with their existing devices, it will be more difficult to fully engage them.
Freedom of choice
Everyone wants the freedom to choose, especially millennials who have a specific idea of what they want to accomplish for themselves. Which is why one-size-fits-all programs will likely not engage this generation. Corporate wellness programs that provide customization and choice allow millennials to more effectively balance work, wellness and personal interests. Platforms like ClassPass provide a boutique fitness experience allowing users to pick and choose the kind of class, time of day and location that best suits their needs. As a result, employees are in control of their wellness with the support of their employer.
A holistic approach
Findings from Gallup show that millennials are looking for more than satisfaction – they’re looking for ongoing development and purpose. As such, corporate wellness programs that appeal to millennials address multiple aspects of “wellness.” Gallup’s report, How millennials Want to Work and Live states, “They… want to be engaged in those jobs — emotionally and behaviorally connected to them. In addition to finding a steady, engaging job, millennials want to have high levels of well-being, which means more than being physically fit. Yes, millennials want to be healthy, but they also want a purposeful life, active community and social ties, and financial stability.”
Ongoing development
In a recent article published by Inc., it found the number one factor millennials consider when starting a new job is 'sufficient training' according to a recent survey of 1,500 millennials conducted by the software firm, Qualtrics, and venture capital firm, Accel Partners. The Gallup report supported this finding in their own report, “opportunities to learn and grow at work are highly important to millennials when seeking out new jobs or deciding to stay in current ones.” While not traditionally a part of wellness programs, companies who emphasize the importance of ongoing development in leadership, communication, emotional intelligence and more will attract and engage millennials and increase their engagement within the workplace.
It’s in your company’s best interest to cater to the growing millennial demographic that will eventually make up a majority of your workforce. Explore about what motivates and inspires them. Incorporate their feedback and engage them in the creation process. Bottom line: cater to their interests and needs as it relates to corporate wellness.
