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Mar 30 2017 
Retain Those Millennials – 9 Tips to Add Fun to Your Startup Culture
Let’s face it – millennials are a huge chunk of the work force and they are a tough nut to crack when it comes to retaining them. Their loyalty cannot be purchased through simply a high salary – they are increasingly becoming more entrepreneurial (especially in major metros) and are looking for quick career growth alongside a healthy balance between work and personal life. According to Harvard Business Review, “across all income levels, the top predictor of workplace satisfaction is not pay: It is the culture and values of the organization…”
It is important to know how to minimize employee turnover rate, because the cost of recruiting and training new hires again and again is very costly. That’s why it is important to incorporate a work culture that is fun and satisfying is essential in retaining your employees, especially when you know they demand a flexible and positive environment.
Group games, holiday parties and monetary rewards are now far too common. Try thinking outside of the box. Here are some suggestions from the team at Kiss Doodles
1. Allow power naps
Well-rested employees are productive employees. If you can’t afford lavish nap pods like Google, then perhaps having a few futons or hammocks might do the trick.
Image Source: @geometrik_design
2. Encourage hobbies
Encourage employees to pursue their hobbies at the workplace by setting aside 30 minutes when they can switch gears to something of personal interest, whether it be quilling, blogging, reading, anything! It’ll also keep their mind more alert.
Image Source: @danielleesplin
3. Unwind
Let employees unwind and bond through happy hours, office lunches/dinners and perhaps even consider having each member of the team host a get-together at their home for everyone to get to know each other better outside of the office. Know when to get your team out of the office so they are more focussed when they are in the office.
Image Source: @belgahotelrj
4. Encouragement
Encourage good health habits by either allocating in-office yoga sessions (like Twitter does), or zumba and dance workshops, or offer to reimburse employees for part of their gym membership. Healthy employees take less sick leaves!
Image Source: @tutierinaldy
5. Work hard but party harder –
Work hard but party harder – take your team for fun days, like movie sessions, gaming, karaoke, camping, mini-trips and the works. Don’t have the mentality that oh, if we’re having so much fun, when will we work? Create the time so your team feels like going the extra mile for you when the time comes.
Image Source: @cococamp
6. Virtual or Telecommute
Consider going virtual or allowing members of your team to telecommute a certain number of days or hours. People appreciate the comfort of working from home and having time to attend to other errands side-by-side. Respect that and earn your staff’s respect immensely
Work and more work ☺☺☺ But i love my job . #work #working #job #myjob #office #company #bored #grind #mygrind #dayjob #ilovemyjob #dailygrind #photooftheday #business #biz #life #workinglate #computer #instajob #instalife #instagood #instadaily #girl #pink #model A post shared by Maura Massa (@maura_massa_fit) on
Image Source: @maura_massa_fit
7. Food
Everyone loves food. Consider providing complimentary breakfast or snacks for everyone so they remain energized and charged up to work
Image Source: @mestinmania
8. Volunteering
Try volunteering as an office team at local organizations. Not only will it be fun, but you’ll also give back to the community
Packing Xmas bags for the homeless was a big success!! I wish more people in the world were like these guys. ? #gsa #xmas #homelessshelter A post shared by August ? (@gypsy.kingg) on
Image Source: @gypsy.kingg
9. Time management
Allocate a few hours on a specific day every week where each member of your team teaches everyone else a skill set they are good at. Allow everyone to shine and learn from one another’s talents.
Image Source: @applesandabcs
These tips should boost your team’s morale and encourage positive thinking and job satisfaction in no time! Let us know if you have a tip you’d like to suggest by commenting below.
Baniner Image Source: @stephanie_montes
Feature Image Source: Image Source: @yvesmulkers
