Almost one third of Millennials (29 percent) report that higher salary is the biggest contributor to their loyalty. By comparison, just 20 percent of the broader workforce report the same, according to a study of office workers in the U.S. and Canada.
The survey, conducted by the business-to-business division of Staples, found more than half of Millennials report they work from home after the standard work day is done, compared to only 39 percent of all U.S. office workers.
Millennials also say more flexibility will improve their happiness (49 percent) and their productivity (59 percent).
One in five (21 percent) define a good work culture as a place that offers incentives and perks, and nearly half (46 percent) say more office perks would improve their happiness.
“Based on the results of Staples Advantage Workplace Index, social media will continue to have a presence in the workforce,” John Burke, senior vice president and chief culture officer of Staples, told eWEEK. “In fact, Millennials report that their use of social networking sites/tools (28 percent) and apps that track to-do lists (42 percent) actually increase their productivity.”
The Index identified five unconventional benefits that Millennials find particularly important: flexibility in when and where they work; office perks; eco-friendly practices; a work culture that encourages employees to take a break, and a well-stocked break room.
“They also value trust in leadership and a relationship with their direct boss. It’s important for organizations to understand what attracts and motivates Millennials and implement measures accordingly,” Burke said. “For example, if employees want a well-stocked break room, then the onus is on the employers to not only provide healthy snacks and beverages, but also think about the overall comfort and appeal of the break room so that employees can truly disconnect from work and recharge.”
Burke noted nontraditional benefits such as office perks are likely going to become more prominent as Millennials rise to management positions.
The majority of Millennials (70 percent) expect to be in a management position in the next five years, compared to 48 percent of the broader workforce, according to the survey findings.
While 72 percent of all U.S. office workers say poorly performing technology decreases their productivity, only 56 percent of Millennials reported the same. In addition, 49 percent of Millennials say limited IT support will decrease productivity, compared to 62 percent of all U.S. office workers.
Millennials also are social media natives, and as such, it does not seem to negatively impact their productivity.
When asked how employers can help employees combat overwork and burnout, the majority of the broader employee base (54 percent) said employers should decrease their workload or provide more time to complete tasks, compared to only 42 percent of Millennials.