VIP Vacations Inc.

The magazines Time and Forbes have reported that millennials now outnumber baby boomers and are the largest generation in history. As of 2017, millennials have the most buying power globally.

For travel professionals, it’s extremely beneficial to understand what makes millennials tick.

We need young people to carry the torch! It is very rare to see more than a handful of 22- to 35-year-olds at travel-related events.

Of the 10 employees in my office, however, I am the only non-millennial. I am fully aware that my company is the exception, and because of this, I am often asked for tips on hiring, attracting and working with millennials.

Here are some thoughts on what millennials value in the workplace:

Millennials want work environments in which they are valued. In the travel industry, sales usually determine an agent’s worth. If millennials’ jobs are commission-based, this can be a recipe for automatic failure.

There is a huge sense of pressure thrust upon new agents, and if their jobs are commission-based, this can be a recipe for failure. At my company, every agent is salaried. We stress customer service as the top priority.

By creating a customer-centric work environment, the new agent is able to focus on high-touch service and actually win clients.

Millennials seek out fun work environments. They use social media in real time, posting photos of their everyday lives as they happen.

When millennials’ work environments are fun, they can be the biggest advocates for your business, telling everyone #ilovemyjob! It’s very common to see weekly celebrations, after-work team events and fun travel photos on my company’s social media accounts.

Millennials need to experience travel in order to sell it. Taking newbies on fams will not only motivate them but also provide them with many opportunities to socially engage with their peers about what they do. Remember, their peers are plugged into social media and have huge buying power.

Millennials want growth opportunities. Typically, millennials stay only two years in the same job, although this has not been the case at my agency.

I believe the key to having millennials stay with your business is to outline a plan with growth and vision for them. I have three millennial agents who have been with my agency for more than five years. These agents have become the leaders in my office and now mentor newbies.

Millennials prefer a coach rather than a boss. Micromanaging doesn’t work, but mentoring does. They love role models, so owners need to focus on being excellent examples.

Source: Travel Pulse