How Cool are You?

Contributed by Dawn Penfold, CMP

The first Baby Boomers have retired if they can afford it. 

Late arriving Baby Boomers are leaving the work force at an increasing rate. Gen X and Gen Y employees are in the middle of their careers being of college age around the turn of the century/millennia. 

So, who are the employees now joining the job market in the greatest numbers? 

Correct. The Millennials.

How do you attract the best talent available from the pool of Millennial individuals currently joining or rising in the corporate ranks? 

Traditionally, the perks sought by candidates were financial in nature. Benefits such as high salaries, paid healthcare, a 401K, paid vacations or other retirement package were the incentives to join a particular company or organization. The work environment took a back seat to the compensation package. You paid your dues and waited for better things to come your way. You worked at work and played at home.

Does the "traditional" model still work to attract the best talent?  
A Portland, OR based company posting with us at meetingjobs.com recently offers a very nice compensation package including a variety of health plans, a 401K, both a short and long term disability plan. The salary is commensurate with experience. There is great potential for growth and increased responsibilities. 

However, they also offer the following:
Employees enjoy a peer recognition-based “employee of the month” program, onsite showers for the bike commuters and midday fitness fiends, a hand-made Italian espresso machine and chilled keg, free Bagel Breakfast on Wednesdays, a festive  lunch once a month and hosted and prepared by a new department each time, a summer BBQ series, holiday functions, flexible summer hours, and an end-of-summer event..

In today’s labor market the traditional perks are still important. Candidates still want all of the economic benefits of employment. 

However, they also want the “Wow” factor. 
They may be willing to take less in compensation if they feel they are being “appreciated” and catered to. 

They want to work in a place that is “Cool”. 

So, how “Cool” are you?

Contributed by Dawn Penfold, CMP
President 

MeetingJobs.Com

www.meetingjobs.com
dawn@meetingjobs.com