How to Retain Millennial Talent

employee engagement Apr 17, 2025

Why Millennials Are Leaving Jobs So Quickly — And What Employers Can Do About It

Millennials — now the largest segment of the workforce — have a reputation for being job-hoppers. Studies show that millennial employees stay at a job for an average of just 2.8 years, often citing lack of purpose, growth opportunities, or workplace culture as key reasons for leaving.

While some employers chalk this up to entitlement or restlessness, the reality is far more nuanced — and more fixable than you might think.

Why Millennials Are Dissatisfied with Their Jobs

Millennials aren’t afraid of hard work. What they’re allergic to is stagnation and meaninglessness. They crave work that aligns with their values, offers real growth, and makes them feel like more than just a number.

Common reasons millennials leave jobs include:

Lack of career advancement or skill development
Poor communication and feedback from leadership
Low engagement and purpose misalignment
Toxic or outdated company culture
Inflexibility with work-life balance or remote options

This generation has grown up in a rapidly changing world, and they expect the workplace to keep up.

The Cost of Millennial Turnover

Replacing a millennial employee can cost employers $15,000 to $30,000 per person, factoring in hiring, training, and lost productivity. High turnover also impacts team morale and drains time and energy from leadership.