New Zealand – Millennials bring flexibility to the workplace

By memberservices@staffingindustry.com (Danny Romero)

More than half, or 52% of New Zealand CFOs cite one of the top qualities brought by millennials to the workplace is increased flexibility, according to research from international recruitment firm Robert Half.

Robert Half suggests New Zealand businesses are adapting their workplace and adjusting their hiring practices in order to attract top millennial talent. Among other top qualities brought by millennials, CFOs also cite increased emphasis on collaboration and transparency (49%) to enhance sharing of best practices (44%), followed by a greater emphasis on soft skills (36%), such as communication, problem-solving and interpersonal skills, and increased mentoring programs to foster supportive work relationships (28%).

“New Zealand companies are operating in an increasingly competitive landscape which is being heavily characterised by advancing technology,” Megan Alexander, General Manager Robert Half New Zealand, said. “To keep up, businesses need to attract skilled professionals who have the technological capability and knowledge on how to move companies into the future. Millennial-aged workers have grown up with accessible technology at their fingertips, making them prime candidates to help transform companies into more agile and responsive enterprises.”

“Despite already being multi-generational, the New Zealand workspace will inevitably be dominated by millennials as Baby Boomers gradually retire,” Alexander said. “Employers will need to change their approach to hiring if they hope to attract top millennial talent, as well as encourage more multi-generational collaboration and (reverse) mentoring programs as a way to share best practices and knowledge.”

Meanwhile, 55% of CFOs state they have adapted their hiring practices to attract top talent as well as increased their level of collaboration among all generations in the workplace. This includes a greater focus on teamwork, brainstorming and relationship building across all company teams (51%). Other measures include (reverse) mentoring programs (36%), open lines of communication (22%) and tailored retention and professional development programs (22%).

“Millennial workers can be used by employers as a positive catalyst for change,” Alexander said. “By diversifying hiring practices to suit the needs of millennial candidates, New Zealand companies can maximise their business’s full potential in order to face the changing demands of the market. But to do this, New Zealand companies will need to adapt – and fast. “Remuneration is not always their top priority, and millennial workers thrive in a flexible and transparent workplace. The hiring process will need to evolve and talent management programs be specifically tailored in order to attract the workforce of the future,” Alexander said.

Source:: New Zealand – Millennials bring flexibility to the workplace