Douglas H. Sherman |
New England Institute of Technology s
enior vice president and provost
There has been a lot of discussion about the “Great Resignation,” which includes baby boomers leaving the workforce in large numbers. Whether due to a financial boost in their retirement investments or a reevaluation of what’s important in life, it is now crucial for employers to value the participation of recent graduates in the workforce.
However, employers must also recognize that this population entering the workforce has different expectations about work. They put much more value on the work-life balance over maximizing their yearly salary.
Flexibility, with remote work opportunities, four-day workweeks and flexible hours are all examples of options that contribute to their work-life balance.
Also, with a smaller pool of students graduating from college, along with the missed peer socialization and in-person training opportunities endured over the past two years, businesses will need to increase their training program offerings and anticipate increased mental health needs of their employees.
Employers will also need to consider increasing benefits geared toward retaining young employees, including student loan repayment and tuition-assistance programs.
While most of the expectations discussed above started to surface before the pandemic, they have certainly become more important to recent graduates as a result of the pandemic – especially flexible schedules and remote work options.
These young people are eager to enter the workforce if employers are willing to invest in them.