Seventy years ago, work was pretty straightforward.
You showed up every morning, did the work set before you, and returned to your family in the evening. Getting a job was simply part of survival: It paid the bills.
As baby boomers settled into their careers, the priority shifted and work became life for many. Then came Generation X, the first group of latchkey kids, who began to prioritize a work-life balance.
Now millennials are entering the workforce. Raised on technology and coming into a work world where business can be conducted from anywhere around the globe, this group of young people are looking for work that fits seamlessly into their lives.
That can be a positive change for employers: Millennials are often more accessible and responsive than their predecessors. But it also requires a unique approach to hiring and job retention, because millennials don’t have the deep-seeded loyalty of older generations. They are quick to jump ship when the next fancy yacht floats by.
As any forward-thinking business manager knows, it’s a millennial’s world now. In the next two years, millennials will make up 75% of the global workforce. With unemployment sitting under 4%, employers can’t afford to alienate this group.
And they shouldn’t have to.
Millennials bring plenty of positive traits to the table for employers. Having been raised with the internet, they are resourceful and tech-savvy. They’re also passionate about issues that matter to them and want to do work that fulfills their personal drive. With 40% of millennials holding a college degree, this is an educated and prepared generation.
It’s up to the HVAC industry to tap into this generation’s skill sets, but it starts with understanding what gets a millennial up in the morning (besides their Apple Watch).
Millennials want an employer who pays well, of course, but also whose benefits package is comprehensive with solid retirement and health plans. They’ll be loyal to a company that invests in them with job training and offers a clear path toward career advancement. Manufacturing Institute reports that nearly 70% of workers under the age of 25 say that those are key factors in keeping them satisfied with their employment.
Finally, health and well-being are of utmost importance to millennials. Having watched their parents suffer from the stress of working too much, they are prioritizing their personal wellness. They want regular hours, safe working environments, and a positive company culture.
The HVAC industry is a perfect fit for millennials, who prioritize both helping people and improving the environment. The onset of energy-efficient HVAC systems, particularly utilizing smart technology, will only grow and flourish with the younger generation.
The HVAC industry is often fast-paced and changing as new technologies hit the market every day. That’s not only welcome but exciting for 20- and 30-somethings. Applications we can’t even dream of will be developed through the innovation of a generation for whom technology is a natural extension.
With the average age of an HVAC worker sitting at 55 years old, it’s time to actively recruit the younger generation into the industry. There’s potential for growth and advancement among the companies who learn to speak to millennial needs while giving them the room to soar.
By combining the conventional wisdom of boomers, the creative approaches of Xers and the tech expertise of millennials, the HVAC industry has the potential to become an unstoppable force for years to come.