The Role of Meaning in Recruitment and Retention of the Millennial Generation

Book excerpt: "The role of meaning in the recruitment and retention of the Millennium generation in the workplace was analyzed through a mixed-methods study. Participants were asked to respond to a number of quantitative questions as well as a few qualitative questions in an effort to attain a comprehensive understanding of the importance of meaning in the recruitment and retention of Millennials. The focus of the research was to understand the significance of meaning on recruitment and retention of Millennials and then to identify how Millennials define meaningful work and specific ways in which organizations can increase meaning for their MIllennial employees. The research substantiated the hypothesis that meaningful work is an important factor in the recruitment of Millennials and also that Millennials will likely leave employment if they do not feel their work is meaningful. The findings identified that Millennials define meaningful work predominantly in two ways: their employer being open to implementing employee suggestions and the work the organization does has a global or community impact. The qualitative responses to the survey provide insight for organizational leaders regarding ways that Millennials find their work to be meaningful and how job satisfaction and tenure can be increased through providing meaning in the workplace."--leaf 4.