As is the case with many industries today, millennials are changing the dynamics of healthcare. The generation born between 1981 and 1995 is the largest sector of the US population. Having grown up surrounded by technology and convenience, they have different expectations than older generations. This affects not only the workplace but also retention strategies. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the ways that millennials are impacting the dynamics in healthcare and what these changes mean for hiring managers and healthcare companies.
You Can’t Put Them on Autopilot
With millennials, you can’t just put them on autopilot or cruise control. You need to touch base with them frequently because they expect guidance and regular communication. They want to feel more of a connection to the work and to the people, so they want meaningful interaction with leaders. This means you need to check in with them more than you would with Gen Xers and baby boomers. They are looking for mentors, constructive feedback, and new experiences.
Don’t Let them Plateau
Millennials are looking to grow and advance their careers. This is especially true in the healthcare diagnostics industry where account executives are more interested in education and training opportunities than their predecessors. If millennials aren’t given tasks that challenge them, as well as other opportunities to expand their skillsets, they will plateau. When this happens, they will start to look for a new job. You have to figure out ways to keep them engaged, whether that means having them periodically change departments or giving them new and exciting challenges.
They Don’t Want a Job for Life
Millennials do not have the “job for life” attitude that their parents had. While other generations were more focused on having a stable income, millennials are also looking for a sense of purpose. They want to perform work that gives them meaning and has a positive impact on the world. They’re willing to switch jobs multiple times to find a job that satisfies them. What does this mean for hiring managers and companies? Managers need to periodically assess whether their employees feel like they are being challenged and developing in their careers. You also need to communicate with them and show them how the work they perform positively affects the world. Help them to see how their role will evolve so they can envision their future.
