A survey done by a consultant reveals a wide disparity between how young people of the post-80's generation see themselves and how employers see them. Employers cite impatience as one of the leading traits of today's young people, while members of the post-80's generation think themselves as hardworking and proactive. Employers, however, don't even mention those qualities in their assessments.

More than 1,100 people, including over 400 employers from 11 industries and more than 650 young people from the post-80's generation were surveyed from January 2010 to August 2012 by Tamty McGill Consultants.

The study found both employers and the young people consider post-80's youth as "creative", "energetic" and "self-centered" in the workplace.

The survey found that employers ranked "monetary compensation and benefits" followed by "interests and fun" as the first two factors which can attract post-80's generation youth to work at a company. Those born since 1980, however, cite a "clear and achievable career pathway" as the second most important factor after compensation in choosing an employer.

The differences also reflected in the fact that 39 percent of employers think post-80's workers prefer their employers to offer large amounts of freedom at work. Nevertheless, about half of post-80's respondents said they need supportive mentors who offer to help them.

Virginia Choi, the general manager of the consulting firm, explained that recent university graduates are at the start of their careers, so they are not highly independent and desire more support, guidance and training from employers rather than freedom at work.

Other characteristics cited by employers about post-80's workers include that they want to work flexible working hours as the most evident characteristic. Young workers, however, say they want greater involvement "in the decision making at work" as their most important issue.

Non-working post-80's ranked "instant response in communications" as the most suitable attribute in describing themselves. Choi observed that the aspirations of post-80's youth still include job "ownership," higher involvement, and decision making.

She also recommended better communication to improve relationships between post-80's workers and their employers. This could include informal communication, concise wording in giving direction and instant responses.

She also said the employer should give more encouragement to employees. Providing a clear and achievable career pathway is also a good way to recruit and retain post-80's workers.

fanfeifei@chinadailyhk.com

(HK Edition 08/21/2012 page1)