One group of employees, Millennials, or those born between 1982 and 2004 are often leaving jobs just as fast as they get them. Today NBC26 found out how employers in Door County are trying to appeal to the demographic to stick around.
A recent study found that 44 percent of recent college grads today are working unfulfilling low paying jobs. Those 44 percent are earning less than 25-thousand dollars a year. But there is no shortage of work in northeast Wisconsin, and today employers are finding out how to hold on to Millennials.
The baby boomer generation used to have a surplus of options for employees. But today many professions are seeking young blood to fill the roles.
"The Door County area, like a lot of areas in our region are having trouble finding workers," says Jim Golembeski the Executive Director of the Bay Area Workforce Board.
But today's Millennials aren't seeking another job, but rather a career that's fulfilling.
"How do we attract them and how do we retain them," asks Megan Lundahl a board member with the Women’s Fund of Door County.
And being the most educated generation in history this demographic also has considerable debt. Many of the recent graduates expecting to move up the corporate ladder faster than expected.
"They're looking for that reward right away. The rewards come with some hard work," says Rick Kroening the Operations Manager at Hatco Corporation in Sturgeon Bay.
Today, in Door County employers are learning more about Millennials and what research indicates they care about most. Sure salary and benefits are important, but so are things like being valued and having an opinion that matters in the workplace.
"They want to be doing something that makes the world a better place and they want to be engaged in what they’re doing and they want opportunities to be leaders," adds Golembeski.
"They really do want to fill some big shoes and it's up to employers to let them know how they can do that," adds Lundahl.
And while it's hard to get paid the big bucks directly out of college, employers are starting to discover the other perks Millennials are looking for.
Science, technology, engineering and math are at the top of the list of skills that are in the highest demand right now from Millennials.
