What do Millennials look for in a job?
BusinessDictionary.com defines Millennials as “The generation that follows Generation X, with birth years ranging from the early 1980s to the 1990s (though some would include those born until 2000). Many parents of this generation were “Baby Boomers,” thus making it the largest generation since the boomers. This generation is more likely to lean liberal in their political ideology, less likely to practice religion than previous generations,and grew up in the age of technology and therefore are very versed in technology.Also known as Generation Y.”
Did you know that by the year 2020, millennials will form 50% of the global workforce? This was according to the recent Global CEO Survey conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the largest professional services firm in the world. In the Philippines, it is estimated that a third of the population of the country todaytare millennials or around 35 million Filipinos.
In the said study, it was noted that one of the defining characteristics of the millennials is their affinity with the digital world. They are described to have grown up with broadband (internet), smartphones, laptops and social media being the norm and expect instant access to information. This is also said to be the first generation to enter the workplace with a better grasp of a key business tool than more senior workers.
With a new breed of employees entering the workforce and expected to lead the business organizations years from now, managing and developing them to be the next leaders are just some of the critical issues that companies are currently facing. Making them engaged and committed to the company’s goals and stay with the organization is another aspect to focus on.
Thus the big question is, “What do millennials look for in a job?”
We asked the question to Filipino millennials who are currently working and below are their responses as to what they are looking for in job/ workplace?
Josephine Bahala, Court Interpreter. When I was younger, I used to look for a job/workplace that can really help me grow, not only career-wise, but also as a person. I want a job that can help me bring out my full potentials! But now that I have already a family of my own, I am already satisfied with a job that gives me both emotional and financial stability.
Gigi Celemin-Beleno, Project Evaluation Officer. A job where I can always go home at the end of the day, no more take home papers/work. Also, it will be great to have a nice boss.
Justin Buenagua, Freelance Web Designer / Architecture Student. Benefits, salary, environment and of course I want a workplace where I will be nurtured, a place to learn and grow, master my craft and most importantly have fun. A boring workplace is an instant turn off for me.
Sandrea Cabugao, Senior Supply Chain Executive. A company that provides great benefits and a management that appreciates all the hardwork of the employees.
Carl Cuevas, Account Manager. A company with a good culture (i.e. allows for creativity and growth, supportive management and colleagues, friendly rivalry but maintains good team work, and good corporate philosophy).
Ruth Dela Cruz, Full-time Blogger. A job that I can enjoy doing every single day — something that would allow me to be creative and to stay curious. A company that supports my career and personal goals and offers work-life balance integration, global training for performing employees and work-from-home option.
Mikael Francisco, Content Marketing Team Leader. An office that values its people and has people who value their work.
Marlon Franco, Developer Analyst. I look for a job that offers better long-term opportunities, healthcare benefits, a better salary, stock options, etc. I like working in a demanding environment where my co-workers are passionate about coming together and working on a common goal.
Rizza Garingo, Field Research Market Survey Team Lead. A company that offers a good working environment, gives opportunities to grow and competitive benefits and practices work-life balance.
Omar Itay, Digital Marketing Specialist. One workplace that I don’t feel like I’m working. Working in a paradise, perhaps?
Kumiko Mae Yasuda, Social Media Manager. Always the following: has dynamic culture (equal opportunity, glocal, work-life balance), commensurate salary and benefits (not just monetary, but includes healthcare, offers trainings, etc.), and most importantly, a product/service that is worth my time and effort.
Angela Magsajo, Private Tutor. A workplace and a job that can enhance and improve my skills and abilities to be able to work better. I want to serve and to be served rightfully.
Alyssa Mae Malacad, Working Student at State University of New York (SUNY). A company with a good job benefits with possible regular employment and let you grow your career and yourself as a person.
Leah Martirez Mamuyac, Office Secretary. Approachable people, good working environment.
Kisty Mea, Travel Blogger / Freelance Designer. A job where I can grow and improve my skills, with flexible schedule and creative culture.
Miren Mercado, Marketing Assistant Manager. Three things: Being ‘Culture-fit’ is very important because this will help me grow as an individual that will lead to me contributing to the growth of the company; a positive and enthusiastic work environment that that appreciates my contributions and celebrates ‘small wins’; and a boss who trusts its people that they can do their jobs.
Jonathan Nava, Sports/Tech Blogger. A company with equal opportunity, challenging work, can apply my skills and passion.
Roxy Nicolas, Technical Project Assistant. A company that has a noble cause and supports the enhancement of an employee’s capacity.
Jean Cyrene Riparip, Digital Assistant Manager. Challenging and fun at the same time! An office that is not boring and has a fast internet connection.
Mike Romero, IT Specialist. A harmonious and quite environment. It’s a bit toxic with my work now.
Ria Rosaura Romero, Court Stenographer. A job that will enhance and enrich my capabilities as a person and give me stability.
April Salonga, Marketing and Business Development Manager. Good people/team who share the same passion for excellence and good work.
Shawn Andrei Summers, Global IT Process Manager. A job where I can balance my work and my life beyond 8 hours a day 5 days a week and a work place where I can focus on my tasks but at the same time I can feel a family like atmosphere where I can be who I am and what I am.
Ranne Tubig, Event Organizer. A company that seeks for the potential of a person not based on what educational attainment the person has managed to achieve.
Patricia Villegas, Social Media Specialist. Good camaraderie along the team. Plusgood office facilities.
There is no doubt that in 5 to 10 years, the workforce will be dominated by the millennials. While many organizations consider them as one of their biggest challenges, we can’t deny the fact that the future of the business arena will be on the hands of this generation that offers the skills for the “new” jobs that are created by the fast-paced technology and innovations that we enjoy today. How do we effectively manage millennials in the workplace? It will still be a journey until we reach the ideal common ground amongst generations of workers. We can start by listening to millennials and find out how they can contribute to the success of their company as they make their own mark.
Richard Mamuyac is the Communications Specialist of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP), the premier organization of HR practitioners and people managers in the country. For news and updates from PMAP, you may call 7261532, email [email protected], visit www.pmap.org.ph or like www.fb.com/PMAP1956.
