But recruiting is a 'two-way' street with candidates evaluating employers
From work environment, to pay, to dressing for success and beyond, gen Y are surprisingly traditional in their views, according to a new survey conducted by Career Edge Organization.
“Overall, the survey is insightful and indeed perhaps a bit surprising when you compare the results to today’s typical Gen Y stereotype,” said Anne Lamont, president and CEO of Career Edge Organization. “Gen Y seem to be saying that while they have clear, strongly held beliefs on how to pursue and manage their careers, they also display traditional views in key areas.”
Thirty-four per cent of 1,100 respondents aged 22-29 prefer a formal office structure with cubicles for entry-level employees, found the survey.
Also, 25 per cent prefer open-concept offices, while only nine per cent prefer an unstructured workplace with no assigned workstations and 32.7 per cent said none of the above work environments were important to them.
Gen Y also take a traditional approach to compensation with 36 per cent of respondents saying they prefer to work under a standardized salary system based on regular industry surveys and pay scales, while 34 per cent preferred merit-based pay.
Gen Y also prefer traditional office attire with 56 per cent choosing business casual (no jeans), compared to 12 per cent choosing casual attire (with jeans) and nine per cent choosing a formal suit and tie.
On the job-hunting trail, it appears traditional recruiting methods may still be the best way to reach gen-Y jobseekers. Eighty per cent of respondents base their views of employers on information gathered from job postings, as well as corporate websites, and 62 per cent rely on family and friends.
“This means the tried-and-true job posting may be the perfect place for employers to convey key information about company culture, career path opportunities and more to attract desirable gen-Y candidates,” said Lamont.
“It’s a two-way street now. Not only are employers assessing candidates but candidates are making their own short list of preferred employers and job postings are a powerful recruitment tool to attract top talent."
Job postings should include honest, insightful content that accurately portrays an organization as a great place to work, she said. Aspects to highlight include corporate culture, health benefits, financial benefits and management style.
The most attractive employer qualities for gen Y include continuous, ongoing and informal performance feedback (73 per cent), tuition subsidies (72 per cent) and an open-door senior leadership policy (64 per cent).
