Attracting the Next Generation of Workers

While employers should avoid stereotyping Gen Y candidates, it can be helpful to know some of the attitudes many of them share.  Based on the results of another survey, this one a polling of Millennials conducted by Robert Half International and Yahoo! HotJobs, here are some suggestions for making your company an employer of choice for Gen Y workers:

Offer attractive compensation
In the survey of Millennials, respondents rated salary and benefits as the top two considerations when evaluating job opportunities.  This group favors security and stability and is attracted to firms that pay above-average wages and provide progressive benefits.

Promote work/life balance
73 percent of Gen Y workers surveyed said they are concerned about being able to balance a career with personal obligations.  Consider implementing work arrangements - such as flextime, telecommuting or compressed workweek options - that give employees of all generations more control over their schedules.

Narrow the gaps on the corporate ladder
Millennials are willing to work hard, but they want to move quickly up the ranks.  According to the study, 51 percent of Millennial professionals surveyed believe they should have to spend only one to two years proving themselves in entry-level positions.  To recruit Gen Y workers, companies should give these individuals assignments that stretch their abilities and offer perks, such as in-house training and tuition reimbursement programs, that allow them to develop new competencies.

Ensure managers are accessible
In the survey, Millennials described their "dream boss" as being caring, flexible and open-minded, as well as appreciative of his or her employees.  They also seek regular contact with their supervisors; in fact, 35 percent of those surveyed want to communicate with the boss several times a day.