Young Workers may Provide Opportunity for Recruiters
There is a perception among many employers that the current generation of workers entering the workforce (often referred to as Generation Y) lacks loyalty to employers and operates according to a strange, inexplicable set of priorities. Kenexa has recently mined their data from the last twenty-seven years and found this to be largely a misconception.
According to Kenexa’s data, 41% of this generation’s young workers feel that they are fairly paid, right in line with the 31% and 41% recorded for workers a generation ago and two generations ago, respectively. Further, the study showed that 31% of 27 year old workers were considering a move to a different company – the exact percentage indicated by a similar study of workers performed in 1990.
When asked to analyse the apparent divergence between reality and perception for today’s young workers, David Lyons, MD at eBoss said the following, “The perception that the younger generation is irresponsible and flighty is as old as time itself. Each successive generation breeds a generation gap to be conquered. Take music for example: 50 years ago, the younger people were being “corrupted” by rock-n-roll music. For many of today’s executives, rock-n-roll is “their” music and the young people are being corrupted by hip-hop. In a similar fashion to music tastes, priorities outside the workplace have changed for today’s generation when compared to previous generations because technology, fashions and the standard of living have changed.
In terms of loyalty, entry level workers have always had the highest turnover rates in any industry and always will. Every generation is composed of dilettantes, solid workers, and superstars, and the percentages of each group remain remarkably consistent. Dilettantes move to another company seeking their place in the working world; superstars are often recruited to a better opportunity with a company that recognises their potential.
The opportunity for recruiters represented by young workers is in seeking these young superstars who are searching for challenge and growth potential – in recognising when the drive and ambition of a talented young worker may fit a position even better than an experienced, but unremarkable worker. Like a marriage counsellor, the job of a headhunter is often to seek common ground between parties with vastly different opinions and expectations.” Recruiters who can recognise young talent and spot positions where their natural energy will benefit the company are able to provide a bridge between generations that results in the best outcome for everyone involved.
Add a Comment