TROY, MI--(Marketwire - October 28, 2009) - Organizations with strong social responsibility
practices are being viewed as "employers of choice" by today's job seekers
across the globe who overwhelmingly prefer companies that focus beyond
performance outcomes and promote larger social goals, according to the
latest findings from an international workplace survey.
The survey, by global workforce solutions leader Kelly Services, finds
employees across all age generations and regions gravitate to organizations
with well developed social, ethical and environmental policies. In deciding
where to work, baby boomers (aged 48-65) were found to be even more
discerning than their younger Gen Y (aged 18-29) and Gen X (aged 30-47)
colleagues.
Major public issues such as a company's reputation for strong ethical
practices have become critical factors in choosing where to work, even to
the point where many employees are prepared to sacrifice pay or promotion
in order to work for organizations that are actively engaged in good social
responsibility practices. More specifically, concerns about ethical
behavior outweigh concerns about the environment by all generations, when
making employment choices.
The findings are part of the
Kelly Global Workforce Index, which obtained the views of
approximately 100,000 people in 34 countries covering North America,
Europe, and Asia Pacific.
Kelly Services Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer George
Corona says organizations that develop effective social, ethical and
environmental policies and procedures have a definite advantage when it
comes to attracting key talent.
"Employees gain a sense of fulfillment when their employer is focused not
only on the bottom line but also on initiatives and practices which have a
connection with the communities in which they operate. There is a great
deal of pressure on organizations to meet higher standards of corporate and
ethical behavior and to play an appropriate role on issues affecting the
environment," Corona says.
Among the key findings of the survey:
-- Almost 90 percent of respondents say they are more likely to work for
an organization that is considered ethically and socially responsible,
something that is consistent across all age generations.
-- 80 percent are more likely to work for an organization that is
considered environmentally responsible, a figure that is considerably
higher among older age groups.
-- In deciding where to work, an organization's reputation for ethical
conduct is considered 'very important' by 65 percent of Gen Y, 72 percent
of Gen X, and 77 percent of baby boomers.
-- 46 percent of Gen Y would be prepared to forego pay or promotion to
work for an organization with a good reputation, rising to 48 percent for
Gen X and 53 percent for baby boomers.
-- In deciding where to work, policies to address global warming are
considered 'very important' by 31 percent of Gen Y, rising to 35 percent
among Gen X and 36 percent for baby boomers.
The findings demonstrate the important link between social responsibility
and strategies aimed at attracting and retaining high quality staff.
"Not only do firms with high ethical and community standards have greater
success in recruiting and retaining good quality staff, they also send a
powerful message about the type of person they want as part of their
organization," Corona concludes.
For more information on the survey results, visit
www.kellyservices.com.
About the Kelly Global Workforce Index
The Kelly Global Workforce Index is a survey revealing opinions about work
and the workplace from a generational viewpoint. Results of the current
findings from across Kelly's global operations in North America, Europe,
and Asia Pacific will be published throughout 2009 in a series of six
releases.
About Kelly Services
Kelly Services, Inc. (
NASDAQ:
KELYA) (
NASDAQ:
KELYB) is a world leader in
workforce management services and human resources solutions. Kelly offers
a comprehensive array of temporary staffing, permanent placement,
outsourcing, and consulting services. Kelly serves clients around the
globe and provides employment to 650,000 employees annually. Revenue in
2008 was $5.5 billion. Visit
www.kellyservices.com.
Contact Information: Media contacts:
Asia Pacific
Jaquilin Ang
Kelly Services
+65 6494 6066
Jaquilin_ang@kellyservices.com.sg
Europe
Tamara Achba
Kelly Services
+41 32 737 1829
Tamara.achba@kellyservices.eu
North America
Judith Clark
Kelly Services
+1 248 244-5362
judith_clark@kellyservices.com