By: Samantha Oliver

Intern, EASE@Work

No, a one hour TV special will not accompany this post, but it may provide some insight into why my generation (the Generation Y’s or Millenials), leave Northeast Ohio for better and brighter cities – like Miami. Northeast Ohio boasts some of the United States’ top universities, an eco-friendly brewery, a few sports teams (albeit, unimpressive teams), tons of lake effect snow (great if you’re into winter sports), and a “world class” hospital system. So what’s not to love? 

I’ve been the sales and marketing intern at Ease@Work for the past three months. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to work with, and learn about, many companies in the area – specifically in terms of benefits and options offered to employees. Furthermore, as a soon-to-be M.B.A. graduate, I believe I can offer a fresh perspective of what those from my generation are looking for when entering the work force.

I write this as someone who has lived in Ohio most of my life. But, as I anticipate graduation and begin my career search, I find myself stuck. Should I stay or should I go?

Jobs are hard to come by, but more importantly, companies who value innovation, creativity, and flexibility are even harder to find. Northeast Ohio has so many things to offer, but not to young professionals. Employers need to realize my generation grew up amidst the electronic age. We understand social media, YouTube, and internet startups. We created them.

If companies in the NEO region want to attract top talent and keep great talent from leaving the area, you’ve got to offer us something different. No, I understand NEO is not a Silicon Valley, but we are part of the huge green revolution. I would also add that philanthropy is at the heart of so many businesses in this area, which is great because my generation is looking for employers who offer us something more!

As an example of innovative organizations, just take a look at the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list; it includes Google, DreamWorks, and Edward Jones. Why are they topping the list? Comprehensive benefits, a family culture, and employee understanding. For example, J. M. Smucker’s, number 47, is headquartered here in Ohio, and offers employees softball games and bowling nights.

My generation has options regardless of the current economic environment. We can be entrepreneurs with little to no capital required; we can move, travel, explore different careers; and we have the education and knowledge to support exploration of non-traditional career options.

So, if you’re not Google, and your employees can’t bring their dogs to work, what can you do to attract talent? My suggestion is be creative. Inspire innovation, new ideas, and team work. Offer your employees benefits, and I’m not talking just monetary, but intrinsic as well.

Let them compete in a fitness challenge. Promote wellness in the workplace – it’s important to us. Offer ways in which your employees can give back to the community – perhaps allow staff time to volunteer. Provide us with education and challenging opportunities that allow us to continue to grow as individuals and into our careers.

Understand that my generation cares a lot deeper about the environment, social causes, and economic change. We stand up for what we believe in and will continue to choose companies who do the same. So I challenge you, Northeast Ohio, to inspire young professionals and offer us opportunities worth staying for.