1851

Millennials became the largest U.S. labor force in 2016, according to a <a href="http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/04/11/millennials-largest-generation-us-labor-force/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=hiring-millennials-is-about-more-than-selfies-avocado-toast-and-frose-2707140" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">Pew Research Center analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data</a>, prompting business owners to take a closer look at how to adjust their recruitment programs and retention strategies to capture the attention of this key demographic.

Whether or not generalizations about millennials are true, their approach to finding a job and career is different from previous generations. <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2018/07/09/companies-offering-remote-jobs-and-unlimited-vacation-that-are-hiring.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=hiring-millennials-is-about-more-than-selfies-avocado-toast-and-frose-2707140" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank">CNBC reports</a> that because millennials make up so much of the workforce, some forward-thinking companies are offering benefits like unlimited vacation days, job flexibility and remote work options.

&ldquo;Brands have not figured out the balance between millennials and older generations, and will continue to struggle until they do,&rdquo; said Sean Fitzgerald, chief development strategist at 1851 Franchise. &ldquo;Two worlds are colliding, and many companies look at employees as a number on a spreadsheet, which doesn&rsquo;t work for millennials. They focus on so much more than just surface level benefits. Millennials look for jobs with a purpose, and where they are treated as an individual person, and it is key for business owners to recognize that.&rdquo;

A generation X-er, Fitzgerald explains that his approach to finding jobs was all about the salary, and that the search for a new job was solely focused on how much money he could make. 

&ldquo;For me, it didn&rsquo;t matter what job I was doing, as long as I was paid well, but for millennials, there has to be more to the job,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Brands that have found a way to connect to millennials on a personal level and provide a mission that resonates with that demographic are the ones doing it right.&rdquo;

However, according to Fitzgerald, it&rsquo;s important to not go overboard when it comes to working with millennials. Brands should also be sincere in their approach to attracting millennials.

&ldquo;It&rsquo;s important for brands to find a way to speak to millennials without being condescending or pandering to the stereotype that exists about millennials,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Millennials can see through a fake culture that speaks to the very basic generalizations about millennials. They want to be truly heard by their employer, and know that they&rsquo;re contributing to the greater good of the company and are recognized for it.&rdquo; 

While companies should certainly be looking into how to work with millennials, the reverse is also true. Fitzgerald said that millennials also need to put forth that same level effort and meet their employer halfway. 

&ldquo;To make a job have a purpose, it goes both ways,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Employees are just as responsible as the employer in creating a good culture and finding ways to challenge themselves to continue to move forward. If millennials want a job with purpose, they need to do whatever they can to constantly educate themselves on how to improve at their job and to improve the company. It&rsquo;s not always about the job itself, it&rsquo;s about making the best of who you work with and who you work for, and millennials need to do their part.&rdquo;

Hiring Millennials is About More Than Selfies, Avocado Toast and Frose 

1851 Franchise

Finding a job with passion is the key to long-term millennial career happiness

hiring-millennials-is-about-more-than-selfies-avocado-toast-and-frose

Layne's Chicken Fingers

image of laynes chicken finger restaurant with 4 hands holding cups in the air to celebrate 

 Layne’s Chicken Fingers Crosses Mid-Year Mark With 11 New Restaurants Opened, Including the First Time the Brand has Seen Two Openings on the Same Day on July 14

laynes-chicken-franchise-growth-2025

HomeTeam Inspection Service

image of an employee from home team checking an outlet with an ipad

HomeTeam Inspection Service Franchise Owners Diversify Income With Multi-Service Model

hometeam-inspection-service-revenue-streams

Right at Home

image of jennifer selden right at home franchisee for a webinar with nick powills

Right at Home Franchise Owner Jennifer Selden To Share Franchise Journey, Sparked by Personal Care Experiences

jennifer-selden-right-at-home-franchise-journey-webinar

Paris Baguette Canada

image of a paris baguette bakery cafe latte with delicious food, croissants, and pastries

What Paris Baguette Franchisees Have To Say About Their Experiences

paris-baguette-franchise-canada-eric-chang

image of right at home franchisee gregory brewer for a webinar with nick powills

Gregory Brewer To Share 20-Year Franchise Journey With Right at Home in Upcoming Webinar

gregory-brewer-right-at-home-franchise-winston-salem-webinar

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

AI Is Reshaping Franchising: $100 Billion Valuations and Hyper-Localized Advertising

ai-is-reshaping-franchising-100-billion-valuations-and-hyper-localized-advertising

Mega Franchisee Sizzling Platter Acquired by Bain Capital

mega-franchisee-sizzling-platter-acquired-by-bain-capital

Wendy's CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down - Breaking News - 1851 Franchise

Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner Steps Down Amid Challenges, Leaving Franchisees Facing Uncertainty

wendys-ceo-transition-kirk-tanner-franchisee-uncertainty

"Come in, We're OPEN" sign against abstract background

Small Business Optimism Dips, Raising Concerns for Franchise Owners

small-business-optimism-dips-raising-concerns-for-franchise-owners

Photo of Roof Scientist truck and trailer

Roof Scientist Expands Into Northern Indianapolis as Entrepreneur Dale Speckman Launches New Business in Fishers

roof-scientist-expands-into-northern-indianapolis

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Blending Tech, Hospitality and Health Care: How Three Women From Different Worlds Came Together to Build a Paris Baguette Franchise

paris-baguette-franchise-flower-mound-texas

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

Sola Salons Franchisee Grows Salon Freedom Into a Multi-State Powerhouse 

Hiring Millennials is About More Than Selfies, Avocado Toast and Frose

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS