Valuing 20-Somethings in Your Company

It’s more important now than ever to embrace and explore the benefits that young people bring to business.

Many companies welcome young employees with open arms, while others tend to shy away from them, opting instead for more mature and experienced individuals.

Today’s generation is far different from older generations in numerous regards, from their political perspectives to the professions they pick (or don’t pick). Moreover, you might find that 20-somethings are eager to work, can multitask and work well under pressure, ultimately allowing you to train them and provide opportunities that benefit you both, such as:

Young employees:

1. Bring a new and fresh perspective and an innovative way of thinking to businesses. Most young workers are eager to learn and apply their skills and can help you target the millennial market since they understand how to reach and communicate with their peers.

2. Essentially are essentially a “blank slate” which affords you (the employer) an opportunity to educate, train and develop them specifically to meet your company’s needs. Hiring a young person can also give you the opportunity to have greater influence in the kind of employee they become.; you can work with them to encourage common values and good practices from the outset. And, they often are more affordable.

3. Have a natural affinity for technology and their ability to apply and understand different applications quickly sets them apart and allows them the opportunity to educate you and their colleagues. Adopting and using new software and technology can drive your business forward.

4. Are better equipped to respond to sudden change when unexpected circumstances arise. In the landscape of modern day workplaces where process, technology and priorities are constantly change, adaptability gives young people an advantage in a work environment that that is more fast paced than ever before.

5. Often have an abundance of energy and a natural thirst for knowledge, which can rub off on colleagues and help invigorate the workplace. You can’t go wrong with that!

-Alison LaValley, NRCA

-RCS - June 24, 2018

Alison L. LaValley, CAE, serves as Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Development for the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), as well as Executive Director for the National Roofing Legal Resource Center (RNRLC). See her full bio here.