Engagement and Retention of the Millennial Generation in the Workplace through Internal Branding

Abstract

Within the strong competitive world of organizations, the provision of exceptional customer experience is the key driver of performance. In this context, many organizations invest in their brands and, try to create a positive image of them, not only in the minds of their external customers, but also in those of their employees, because they are conceptualized as internal customers. Effective involvement of the human resources function for helping them to internalize the brand identity in their work behaviors has been an emerging area of study over the last decade. This has brought forward the notion of internal branding-a strategy through which organizations encourage all their employees to become involved in the nurturing of a brand through their engagement. Meanwhile, the organizational workforce is dynamic and constantly changing owing to a younger cohort entering the workplace. This renewal in the workforce demographics has led to differences in their characteristics and work orientations and consequently, has changed the rules of engagement. This paper outlines some emerging evidence about the HR-internal branding relationship. It brings together diverse sources of literature from organizational and generational studies to illustrate the characteristics and work orientations of the Millennials and the potential challenges posed by this generation. This article also provides the readers with specific recommendations for developing new practices and policies designed to attract, develop and retain this cohort so that it contributes internally to strong brand engagement.