Generation Y and the Workplace Annual Report 2010 - Haworth

48
Focus
Choice of Company
What are the top three most important factors
in your choice of company?
Overview
People are most likely attracted to a company where values are clearly communicated. It seems that
Generation Y members in particular are ‘ready to engage in companies that provide the environments
in which they thrive’. The reason why people choose a company varies from one age group to another.
Opportunities for learning are a very important factor. Besides, looking for a good quality of life when
deciding to accept a position, is also one of the top three priorities for all age groups.
Results
We know people are most likely attracted to a company where values are clearly communicated. It seems
Generation Y members in particular are ‘ready to engage in companies that provide the environments in
which they can grow and evolve. Those environments will include the physical space. Workplace design
is likely to become a strategic weapon in the battle to attract and retain scarce young talent in today’s
increasingly competitive global economy.
Top 1
18-25yrs 26-35yrs 36-45yrs 46-55yrs 56-65yrs
Opportunities
for learning
Top 2 Quality of Life
Top 3
Work
colleagues
Opportunities
for learning
Work
colleagues
Quality of Life
Meaningful
work
Quality of Life Compensation
The reason why they chose a company varies also from one age group to another.
Opportunities for Learning is a very important factor of choice, both for male and female between 18
and 25 years old. Looking for a good quality of life when deciding to accept a position, is also one of
the top three priority for all age groups.
Physical space can play a substantial role in choosing a company. Workplace design is likely to become
a strategic weapon in the battle to attract and retain scarce young talent in today’s increasingly
competitive global economy. Of all respondents, work colleagues, opportunities for learning and quality
of life are considered to be amongst the most important factors.
Global WorkPlace Innovation
The alignment of company value
and culture and individual value
and meanings is the key to
develop a sustainable career
and design a progressive
individual development path.
Tony, 1981
Meaningful
work
Meaningful
work
Compensation Quality of Life
Corporate
Values
Corporate
Values
Figure 8: Choice of Company for 18-25 yrs old
The Western Generation Y from the UK and the US favour their colleagues and having a meaningful
work, while the Eastern Generation Y from China and India focus on the opportunities for learning first.
Across the board, both male and female respondents from the Generation Y are looking for a learning
experience first.
Top 1 Meaningful
work
Top 2
Top 3
USA UK India China Male - All Female - All
Quality of
Life
Work
colleagues
Work
colleagues
Opportunities
for Learning
Opportunities
for Learning
Quality of Life Compensation
Copyright © 2010, Johnson Controls. Confidential. All Rights Reserved.
Intellectual Property Johnson Controls, Haworth and iDEA.
Opportunities
for Learning
Quality of Life Advancement
& Promotion
Figure 7: Choice of Company: per age group, all countries Figure 9: Choice of Company for 18-25 yrs old, key countries
Recommendations:
Corporate
Values
Opportunities
for Learning
Quality of Life
Corporate
Values
Opportunities
for Learning
Work
colleagues
Meaningful
work
Human Resources must consider the workplace as a recruitment factor
Employers must not neglect the impact of their workplace to attract, recruit and retain talent
The way of working is tightly linked to the way people prefer to live
The Generation Y privileges colleagues relationships rather than financial compensations
49