What Motivates Graduates in today’s workplace?

What motivates graduates in today’s workplace?

 

According to the Association of Graduate Recruiters, graduates contribute approximately £1billion of added value to the UK economy every year, so hiring a recent graduate is a great investment in your business.

It’s widely known that keen graduates are adaptable, they can offer businesses a new perspective and they make highly driven employees. But what exactly motivates graduates in today’s working environments, and how can you ensure productivity remains in the long term?

Here are a few steps you can take to ensure graduate motivation in the workplace.

Provide a clear company vision

Demonstrating and believing in a good company ethos is a good driver of productivity and motivation. Reiterating your company’s values and culture, and making sure your employees are aware of the company’s history, will help your graduates to feel connected. Graduates want to contribute to meaningful work, so helping them understand their role will help them feel valued and give them a clearer sense of purpose.

Prioritise career progression

Graduates are particularly keen to see a clear career path with frequent opportunities for promotion. A good way to encourage your graduates is to give them a substantial title, one that makes them aware that they are an integral part of the company. If necessary, new titles and in-between steps can be given to meet their desire for career progression.

Offer growth and development opportunities

 

Recent graduates identify opportunities for growth and development as one of their main professional priorities. Offering mentorship and coaching programs or sending employees to workshops or leadership conferences will go a long way to improving motivation and employee retention.

Give encouragement and regular feedback

As graduates are highly development driven, they respond well to encouragement and feedback.  Letting them know you’re aware of their work, even with a simple “thank you” or “congratulations”, will fuel their motivation and make them feel good about their contribution to the company.

Offer work flexibility

 

By offering flexible scheduling and perhaps occasional telecommuting, you are showing your new graduate recruits that they are a trusted member of the team. Giving them flexible working hours allows them to maintain a positive work-life balance, meaning they are more likely to be productive while at work.

Give them the reins on certain projects

Recent graduates look to be entrepreneurial within organisations and are keen to contribute to meaningful, progressive work. By allowing your recruits to take initiative and lead on certain projects it will help them feel more engaged and in control, and will boost innovation within the business.