Recent graduates have very different expectations of their employers from previous generations, according to a survey by recruitment consultants Robert Half International.
A better work/life balance, flexible working hours and clear career development programmes are all key motivators for ‘Generation Y’ workers – people born after 1980, the poll of 1,800 HR and finance professionals in 11 countries found.
Half of the respondents said these workers were most likely to leave their employers because of poor career development prospects, and more than one third (39%) said poor salary and bonuses were major factors.
Phil Sheridan, managing director of Robert Half Finance & Accounting, said employers need to review their compensation and benefit schemes to ensure they attract and retain the new generation of workers.
“It appears that organisations are not appreciating the mindset of Generation Y and need to actively engage with them,” he said. “They are independent, socially conscious and technologically savvy and are very different from their predecessors.
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“Particularly driven by work-life balance, they are seeking employment opportunities that complement their lifestyles and include strong provisions for career development and financial rewards.”
