10 Things Millennials Look for in a Company

By Alisa Docena, Content Department Intern

It is estimated that by 2020, at least half of the global workforce will consist of millennials—a generation mostly labeled as “self-absorbed” and “entitled”. As someone from this generation, I think our motivations are a little bit misunderstood. It’s not that we are expecting everything to be handed to us, it’s just that we are more assertive because we want to make the most of everyday. We are hungry for experiences and we seek employers that take time to consider the needs and expectations of our generation, and understand where we are coming from. In return for understanding, we will pour our hearts and souls into our work, because time is too short to not give your 110% all the time.

A couple of months from now I will officially step out of school and step into the corporate world. As an intern at TeamAsia, I saw firsthand how millennials like myself thrive in a workplace. And as I seek to make my mark, I hope I find a good balance of these 10 things at the company I am lucky enough to be a part of:

1. Culture

Millennial or not, most employees would find an eight-hour shift exhausting. However, workplace culture can always either improve or aggravate our attitude towards work, especially when the load is heavy. A positive work environment promotes workplace collaboration, so whether even if work turns into 12-hour shift,  that positive attitude towards achieving a common goal makes it all worthwhile. Personally, I can be thoroughly motivated by a workplace culture I see myself comfortable in, where I can work effectively, either individually or with a team.

2. Inclusivity

As someone who supports equal rights, I would consider the inclusivity of a company before I apply for a job. It is important to me that the employer I will work for supports the same values I do. I would consider it my pride to have the opportunity to work in a company that accepts their employees regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion, and sees applicants for their skills and determination to get the job.

3. Personal Development

Aside from skill development, I also look for companies that will not only train me for the job, but will also let me expand my horizons and discover new things about myself. I want a company that will provide me plenty of room for improvement, both in my skills and personality, by allowing me to be myself and by addressing my failures and mistakes in a way that will keep me motivated to do better next time.

4. Innovation

Innovation widens my creativity, allowing me to experiment on new ideas and think of new concepts to execute my work. I prefer a working environment that will constantly encourage me to challenge the norms, and will guide me to discover and explore new opportunities in my line of work.

5. Benefits

To be honest, although the paycheck is one of the main things to consider, I also value the benefits I will gain from the companies I will apply to. If I will be given similar compensation packages by two different companies, I would prefer the company with better benefits, good work-life balance, leadership opportunities, and flexible working conditions rather than the company with a higher pay. For me, a company that offers employee perks such as health, dental, retirement, and financial spending plans benefits, is definitely one to consider.

6. Passion

Companies that show how passionate they are for their craft and at the same time support the interests of their employees are surely on my list of target companies. I believe that this is the kind of passion that drives an organization’s success. I would like to be part of a company where there is intentional support from the whole organization to work towards a common goal and where I can pursue my interests.

7. Challenge

Like most people in the corporate world, I follow the path that leads to the acquisition and enhancement of skill and talent. However, I am looking for something more than that. I would like to work in a company that would not only allow me to use my God-given gifts, but will also challenge my abilities. I look forward to what’s in store for me, and I am excited to be able do the things I never thought I can for me to reach my fullest potential when it comes to my field of work.

8. Stability

Financial stability is one of the reasons why people look for jobs. They want to be able to provide for their own and their family’s needs without having to deal with crises. I am no exception to this. In this world where it is considered lucky for one to not have to fear for his/her tenure to be cut in a few months, I persistently search for companies that offer job security.

9. Corporate Social Responsibility

People who search for jobs now have more access to a company’s background because of the internet, compared to how it used to be before the digital age. I leverage on this to thoroughly get to know prospective companies and to make sure that my values are aligned with the values of the company I will apply to. One of the indicators of a company’s values is their CSR program. Through this, I am able to determine what the company cares about, allowing me to assess its relevance to me.

10. Fun!

Like my peers, I constantly look for fun and adventure wherever I go—yes, I look for it even in the workplace. Although the traditional atmosphere of a typical office is not a stranger to me, I still expect to have fun every once in a while, even amid busy and tiring work days. Whether the company hosts fun office games or planned-out company outings, any activity will surely fill my tank!

I may have a lot of expectations when it comes to my employment experience, but whether I am embarking on my first job or the fifth, I am always after this one goal: to work for a company where I can serve my purpose and make an impact.

After my two months of internship at TeamAsia, I can say that I am better prepared to take on the challenges in my next journey as part of the corporate world.