REINVENTION: WORKPLACE CULTURES THAT ATTRACT THE NEXT GENERATION
To find out firsthand what Generation Y/Millennials want and expect from the workplace and employers, Human Resources Executive magazine (February 2010 issue) held a roundtable discussion with a group of Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania) seniors. The seven students, class of 2010, have had work experience and internships to draw experience and articulately express opinions from. Here is a summary.
Attributes of an Employer of Choice
Stimulating office culture; Positive impact on the world; Genuineness
Ideal Level of Job Feedback
Direct communication and feedback constantly - a two-way street; Feeling the supervisor is actually invested in the employee; Feeling comfortable giving feedback to a supervisor; Regularly scheduled meetings when total attention is given with all external communication turned off
Significant Learning from Internships
Importance of office politics; I may not be as valued as I expected, but rather am being used as a means to an end; Often not given the "big picture," which would have helped me to contribute more, but people are
Importance of Employer Presence on Facebook and Twitter
The students actually have negative feelings about employers with Twitter and Facebook presences for recruiting unless they are tech or social media companies; Facebook is social - for friends; Companies need to take time to think through what their social media strategy is before they implement, not just be reactive to "everybody's doing it"
Opinions on Telecommuting
A much better experience in-person rather than working remotely most of the time, but it could be useful from time to time; Mostly remote work could be a deal-breaker; If you are a people person you want to be surrounded by other workers
COMMENTARY
Managers may find some of these opinions surprising. While the degree of feedback desired by Gen Yers a typical attribute, was confirmed, a common perception is that they favor remote work (as Gen Xers often do) and would be attracted by Facebook and Twitter messages. The business students point out the value of having well thought out strategies for communicating with them and other target audiences. Wise employers will take heed.
Phyllis Weiss Haserot www.pdcounsel.com
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