ask gen y : research

Ask Gen Y launched in October last year, a research-based initiative to help educate organisations on this new generation entering the workforce . To launch the business - and to release the findings on the massive piece of research we conducted - we held the first ever summit in the UK to help organisations bridge the generational collision in the workplace.  Emma Reynolds, co-founder of Ask Gen Y believes organisations need to embrace the new world of work and do some very different thinking. “As a phenomenon we’re complex and full of contradictions. We’re technologically savvy but highly creative; environmentally conscious yet highly mobile. We expect instant rewards but also demand development for the long-term. We think like entrepreneurs but value relationships over money. It’s confusing, but it’s the future. Deal with it.”

The research report, attached for download here, revealed that if you want to get the best out of Gen Y, it helps if you understand them, listen to them, involve them and give them meaningful work from day one. This is having a dramatic impact on the way companies are designing their recruitment strategies.

80% of respondents rated career progression, ethics, values and commitment to development – over salary and package. Oh, and don’t start bombarding Facebook with your recruitment message – that is our space!

Emma summarised Gen Y by saying  “As the worlds first truly mobile and connected generation, we have grown up with Internet, broadband, wi-fi, google, CD, DVD, MTV, MP3, SMS & MMS. This multitude of choice. This freedom. This instant connectivity. This speed of globalisation – is all we’ve ever known."

Check out the editorial we received as headlines in the Daily Telegraph at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/main.jhtml?xml=/money/2007/11/29/cmgen29.xml