10 Things I Know About ... Attracting and Retaining Millenials

Narayanan

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By Sundararajan Narayanan

10. KNOW AND USE SOCIAL MEDIA

Embrace and encourage the use of emerging technologies. Millennials want to work for a company that's strong in social media.

9. BE QUICK

Gen Y loves speed. Multitasking is in their DNA, so establish regular means and channels to connect with this group. Use platforms such as Yammer or internal search engines such as Vingo.

8. MAKE CLEAR CAREER PATHS

Millennials like to plan ahead and progress in their careers. Organizations must provide training and development, mentoring, employee reviews and opportunities for internal advancement.

7. FIND THE HIGH ACHIEVERS

Let millennials know they're important and valued. Quick appraisal is important to this group, so initiatives like referral bonuses, quarterly awards and badges can make all the difference.

6. RECOGNIZE AND REWARD RESULTS

“Management by objective” resonates well with this generation. Consider implementing various talent platforms, performance management systems and robust learning portals.

5. SHOW THE BIG PICTURE

Millennials love to work in a transparent system that shows them how important they are. Consistent, one-on-one sessions with leaders should be ingrained to show how their roles tie into the big picture.

4. ABOVE ALL ELSE, MENTOR

Gen Y yearns for supportive supervisors rather than authoritarians. Organizations need to build career counseling and mentorship programs.

3. BE FLEXIBLE

Organizations that provide the ability to “weave” work into millennials' personal goals and aspirations are more likely to engage them for the long haul. Telecommuting and flex time aren't seen as work privileges, but requirements.

2. VARIETY: THE SPICE OF WORK

Encourage managers to have high-potential millennials take on new projects and responsibilities. Organizations should consider dynamic rotation policies, internal job portals and other initiatives that offer growth.

1. OPEN DOOR TO INNOVATION

Establish platforms and best practices that allow Millennials to market, “sell” and get recognized for their creative ideas. This will help fuel their creativity.

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Sundararajan Narayanan is vice president and global head of human resources at Virtusa Corp. of Westborough.

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