Today’s graduates are more concerned about buying a house and joining a decent pension scheme than exotic holidays and designer wardrobes, according to a survey.
The study by performance
improvement firm P&MM found that graduates were more interested in practical company benefits, such as private healthcare and tax-free childcare, than regular holidays.
Almost two-thirds of the 600 respondents cited owning their own home as their number one lifestyle ambition, but only 7% cited regular holidays and just 2% said a designer wardrobe.
Half of new graduates also said they wanted and expected to retire before the age of 60, and one-third expected to earn more than £50,000 per year after 10 years: 19% believe that they will be earning between £40,000-£50,000 a year.
Almost six out of 10 said that they would rather be in a job they loved that paid poorly than in a job they hated that paid well.
David Lebond, executive director at P&MM, said: “These results have shown us that graduates are thinking about their long-term goals and future ambitions from the start of their working careers.
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“What has also been highlighted is that additional added benefits that a company will supply its workforce will outweigh any monetary rewards.
“Graduates are looking for a total reward and remuneration package and not just a high salary. If an employer is going to compete in the job market and attract the right calibre of staff, then employee benefits are regarded as a must-have.”
