CLEVELAND — Changing the workplace forever. Like them or not, millennials are currently the largest generation in the United States workforce, and they’re doing things their way on their own time.
That’s why businesses are bending over backwards to accommodate and retain as many millennials as possible.
Gyms, yoga classes, on site doctors and flexible schedule — these aren’t offerings for college students, but rather the modern day business professional. More companies are offering perks like this to win over a new generation of employees. Nearly 21 percent of millennials will change jobs this year.
"It’s everything from being able to go to the gym at lunch to take a class whenever I want to grow something," said millennial Progressive Insurance employee Sarah Doll. "I wanted a place I could add value, I wanted a place where I can grow my career and I wanted a place where I could bring my whole self to work. So some place I was comfortable coming to everyday. Because you do spend a ton of time at work."
Progressive Insurance is consistently ranked as a top millennial-friendly workplace. The company’s headquarters resemble a mixture of a college campus and a museum, with art installations in its halls and energy in the air.
For many millennials, it’s the extra perks and overall environment that go a long way in deciding where workplace loyalties lie.
"All those things that seem small, all add up to a place you want to come to. I'm going to stay here until they kick me out," said Sarah Doll.
In a study, 74 percent of millennials admitted they feel job hunting is good for them and their careers. Ambition and need for change is often confused for disloyalty by their parents' and grandparents' generations.
"When they talk about millennials it's 'Ugh they are not loyal,' but I don't think that's a bad thing. I think they are discerning and they want a quality relationship and quality experience," said Kaiser University’s Kimberly Lea. "If the experience is not a good one, they are not going to stay just because they are supposed to be loyal."
In the next couple of years, expect millennials to make up 50 percent of the workforce. By 2025, that number is expected to balloon to 75 percent.
