Recognizing accomplishments encourages young workers to go above-and-beyond
Contrary to the popular myth that gen-Y workers expect to have a high-level job handed to them on a silver platter, young Canadians are actually committed to their employers, are looking for entry-level positions and are willing to do administrative tasks, according to a new survey.
The survey of 1,000 people aged 18 to 29 found young people do expect to be recognized and rewarded for their work and the quality of that work should be the primary basis for evaluating their performance.
“Recent public discussions on gen Y and entitlement have led many employers to form a less-than-flattering opinion of these young people,” said Anne Lamont, president and CEO of Career Edge Organization, an organization that helps businesses arrange internships and which commissioned the survey.
While these young people don’t expect to be in any one workplace for as long as their parents, the survey found they have a clear idea of loyalty and expect the same from their employers.
Three-quarters (76 per cent) of the respondents agree that fair compensation and promotion are clear ways for employers to demonstrate their loyalty. Two-thirds (66 per cent) said they would express their loyalty to their employers by going above and beyond their job description.
Respondents believe career advancement should be based on merit (93 per cent) and not tenure. They would readily perform administrative duties (91 per cent) but many would not accept other people taking credit for their work (57 per cent).
Nearly all respondents (91 per cent) believe a paid internship is a valid option to gain work experience. Of those currently pursuing an internship, 93 per cent believe they are already aligned with their desired career path.
“The overwhelming positive responses towards paid internships suggest to us that young people who are interested in these opportunities are focused and committed to their desired career path,” said Lamont.
While more than one-half expect competitive pay and benefits from their employment, 43 per cent of respondents want a job to advance their career now and 61 per cent identify work-life balance as their long-term career goal, followed by meaningful and challenging work (57 per cent) and job security (43 per cent).
“These young people have a strong sense of self and boundaries. They expect recognition and reward based on their contribution and they place great importance on achieving a work-life balance," said Jodi Shanoff, vice-president of Angus Reid Strategies.
Nearly one-half (47 per cent) of respondents believe they are adequately equipped to start their career upon completion of their education. Sixty per cent also believe they can pursue entry-level positions based on their education. A further 41 per cent believe they can pursue paid internships.
For those already working, 89 per cent took less than one year to find a job in their desired field. However, current students are less optimistic with one-half of them thinking it will take them more than one year to reach this goal.
The survey was conducted by Angus Reid Strategies and is accurate to within plus or minus 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
