Kim A Huggins

Is Your Workplace Gen Y Friendly?

Attracting Gen Y’s to your workplace can be a significant challenge.  This generation has high expectations when deciding where they want to work and ultimately, how long they choose to stay.  Take this survey and find out how well your compnay is poised to attract the Gen Y. 

Attracting Gen Y’s to your workplace can be a significant challenge.  This generation has high expectations when deciding where they want to work and ultimately, how long they choose to stay. 

Members of Gen Y were born between the years of 1982 and 2000 and are currently ages 7-26. Today they represent about 15 percent of the U.S. workforce, and by 2012, that number will more than double.  Attracting and retaining this generation will be a significant business issue not only in the US but around the globe.  Unlike other generations, Gen Y’s are always looking for the next opportunity and with their social networks they can find it rather quickly.  Start your planning now.

Take the following quiz to determine if your workplace is Gen Y friendly.  Simply check yes or no to each of the following questions, then count up how many yes scores you selected.

Question

Yes

No

We have a mentoring program

We have up-to-date technology and equipment

We have a new hire orientation process which goes beyond the first day of work

We organize fun, team building activities on a regular basis

We provide training through various methods (class, on-line, on-the-job)

We offer flexible work arrangements

We have well established, clear career paths

We have a competitive compensation and benefits package

Our company culture attracts employees easily

Our employee population is diverse

There are many opportunities to develop and/or change positions within our company

Our employees are encouraged to ask questions and speak up

Score: 

10 or more Yes Scores:  Your organization is Gen Y friendly and will likely have success in attracting them.  Continue to build on what you have and make retention of your Gen Y’s a priority. 

7 or more Yes Scores:  While you have some attributes that will attract Gen Y, you should look at implementing others to be even more successful.  You are at risk of losing Gen Y employees to other organizations that offer more.

Below 6 Yes Scores:  In order to attract and retain Gen Y, you will need to implement some significant changes.  Consider forming a Gen Y committee to come up with ideas that can be put in place quickly and for relatively low cost.  Then build a longer term plan to address the larger issues.

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