‘The Dirty Word’

Millennial has – in my opinion, wrongly - become a dirty word. I would say that, wouldn’t I? I am, after all, one of them; and feel the stick that the generation that I’m part of, those born between 1981 and 1996, attracts is often unfair. Apparently we’re too soft, we can’t keep jobs, we don’t take criticism in the right way and are unable to get out of bed in the morning (I don’t want to get all ‘research’ on everyone, but the stats do show that we’re better at sticking at jobs and flit between positions a lot less than older workers).

However, negative perceptions have stuck. Earlier this year it all came to a head when a recruitment campaign for the army specifically called out ‘snowflakes, phone zombies, binge gamers and selfie addicts’ in a series of adverts targeted at younger workers. Whether you think the campaign was right or wrong to do so, it is indicative of a shifting and talent-tight market where firms are desperate for the right hire. The best are trying to attract this cohort and engage them to reap benefits such as creativity and leadership but it requires a different tack to do so successfully.

In this issue’s cover feature, HR Grapevine spoke to Emily Lofting-Kisakye, HR Director at Urban Outfitters to find out how the famous retailer are attracting and engaging Millennials – with a special look at how diversity and inclusion is part of this. We also spoke to the HRD at one of the UK’s best places to work, Everton Football Club, look at whether HR leaders can make the ‘giant leap’ to become CEOs, and spoke to experts on whether organisations should be offering therapy as a workplace benefit.

As ever, enjoy.

Daniel Cave - Head of Content