How to attract, retain and engage Gen Y talent

The so-called ‘Generation Y’ has a reputation of being disloyal and flighty when it comes to employment -  However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Victoria Tester, Chief Operating Officer at Shakespeare Martineau, believes any perceived ‘disloyalty’ amongst this group is actually caused by employers not understanding their needs. 

Speaking to HR Grapevine, she says firms need to unlock what makes this group of highly-talented individuals tick, to “ensure businesses reap the rewards of gaining, maintaining and retaining the skills they have to offer.” Failing to do so could see the skills gap in organisations widen. 

Citing their own research amongst graduates, less than one fifth rate salary and rewards as essential to their employment choices. In fact, more than a third of graduates rated specialist expertise (36%) and a good reputation (34%) amongst the most highly-considered factors when joining an organisation. Above all, 84% revealed that the prospect of ‘ownership’ – such as a stake in the business or being in control of their future - far outweighs large remuneration packages.