The Millennial Revolution in Healthcare

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We’ve all heard the success and horror stories about hiring millennials: they’re dedicated/they’re slackers; they work hard/hardly work. Now the largest generation in the workforce (34%), millennials will account for half of American workers by 2020 and 75% percent by 2030. Whether the tales are fact or fiction, the question for employers is how to capitalize on the best of this generation’s traits and avoid the worst.

Healthcare providers have the odds in their favor recruiting millennials: a recent survey revealed 40% of survey respondents, aged 15 to 29, aspire to careers in the healthcare industry. The desire to make a difference, to work in an industry that affects change, and to find personal satisfaction in their career makes healthcare a perfect fit for millennial aspirations.

To find the top talent from this demographic, it’s important to know what they want from life and from work. This always-connected generation looks more for work/life integration than work/life balance. Compensation is a factor, but it’s not the only consideration. Armed with these basics, tailor your interview plan for millennials.

• 64% want to make the world a better place
• 72% want to be their own boss, but if they have a boss, 79% want a coach/ mentor
• 74% want flexible work schedules

Good For Everyone

Millennials want to work for the greater good as well as their own. They look for inspiring workplaces with mentor-centric environments to grow their career. Look for candidates who desire mentoring when you have it to offer, but for more independent positions, you’ll need to search the other 21% of the spectrum who don’t need a cheerleader. Ask for examples of when they’ve worked with hands-on help versus when they’ve worked independently.

Be sure they’re not looking for a meteoric rise up the ladder if the position doesn’t warrant that. “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” is especially important to ask millennials. They’ll offer an honest and revealing answer.

Built-in Flexibility

Millennials don’t do 9 to 5; fortunately neither does healthcare. Alternate shifts work well for them. Make sure they understand flexible schedules are limited.

Techies

This generation was raised on tech, another healthcare advantage. However, the generation that invented the selfie may use technology as everyday validation, which could impact the workplace. Some companies corral social media use, posting success stories to laud the company and employees. This may be a major selling point, but assure potential hires there are guidelines regarding sending company information to cyberspace.

The Mobility Issue

With all the talent and enthusiasm they bring, unfortunately today’s millennials job-hop more than any other generational group. Recent surveys reveal:

• 60% admit they’re open to a new opportunity
• 21% changed jobs in the past year
• 42% have job-hopped in the last 1-3 years

With a consistently in-demand workforce, that level of turnover could be costly. Employers will want to determine each recruit’s career expectations and where they think they’ll land long-term. Look for recruits who have a firm career path outlined, and whose path most closely aligns with the growth you can provide.

This talented generation will likely revolutionize the healthcare industry with its innovative work/life integration concepts. The key to finding the right millennial for your workforce is matching their goals with yours.