Graduates value training and development

Our latest survey shows that ‘millennials’, the group of graduates born between 1980 and 2000, value training and development and work/life balance as the most popular benefits, way ahead of cash bonuses.

22% of those surveyed said that training and development was the ‘benefit’ they valued most from an employer, followed by flexible working (19%), while cash bonuses ranked in third place (14%). Only 4% said they would prefer no benefits and higher wages.

Our report ‘Millennials at work, reshaping the workplace,’ is based on analysis of the attitudes of over 4,000 graduates across 75 countries.  It aims to provide insight into the minds of new graduates from around the world entering the workforce for the first time.

The findings show millennials want more than ‘just a job, they expect rapid progression, a varied and interesting career, and constant feedback. Although this may shift as they move through different stages of life and their commitments change, they are characterised by their ambition and optimism as they look at more than money when there’s an offer on the table.  Employers need to adapt to ensure they remain attractive to this new workforce.

The survey also revealed that millennials are practical about the tough economic conditions. 72% said they had made some sort of compromise (for example, salary, location, benefits, choice of industry) to get into work.  This should herald a warning for employers that people moves are almost certain to increase once economic conditions improve.

A quarter of respondents also expect to have six or more employers in their working life with only 18% saying they planned to stay in their current role long term.

Therefore, employers in the region need to work harder to appeal to this generation.  However, they may also need to accept that some ‘millenial churn’ is inevitable and build this into planning.

Contact details
Email: Amanda Brizell
Tel: +44 (0)1509 604183