Global WorkPlace Solutions > ConnectSpace E-zine > Innovations > What’s the ideal workplace to attract young talent?

Innovations

The recruitment and retention of high quality professionals is one of the biggest challenges facing business and, as Generation Y (18-25 year olds) hits the workplace, what they want their working environment to offer will play a critical role in their employment choices.

OXYGENZ is Johnson Controls’ latest research project – a global survey to understand Generation Y’s preferences when it comes to the workplace. It has been developed in conjunction with Haworth, a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of adaptable workspaces, to determine how, why and where young people wish to work.

At www.oxygenz.com, young people can develop a detailed profile of how they would like their workplace to look, the technologies they would want to use, their preferred office location and the facilities available on site.

Everyone is able to take part in the survey, define their preferences and create a picture of their ideal workplace. You, your colleagues, children and friends can all take part in OXYGENZ. However, Johnson Controls will be analysing Generation Y’s preferences. Through the results the company will advise businesses on how they can develop smart environments that will help the recruitment and retention of young people.

The great importance being placed on the role Generation Y is going to play in lessening the talent crisis is shown through the sponsorship of OXYGENZ by leading corporations, such as the BBC. Sponsoring corporations will have access to an online dashboard to view questionnaire results in real time.

Guy Holden, Vice President and General Manager of Johnson Controls Global WorkPlace Solutions, comments: “For the first time ever, we are seeing four generations working side by side. As the baby boomers of the 1950’s start to retire, businesses are facing a fundamental shortfall in talent. By undertaking this survey globally, we will gain a unique insight into the preferences of Generation Y – how they differ across continents and how these perspectives change and develop over time.”

Kate North, Global Director of Ideation for Haworth comments: “This research will provide Haworth and our client's with meaningful insights as they begin to leverage the workplace as a competitive and strategic recruitment tool. Generational research can not be ignored for effective business planning. The global reach of this research project, and the involvement of international partners, will guarantee new knowledge.”

You and your company can play a part in helping industry understand what people want. To participate in the research go to www.oxygenz.com.

Johnson Controls will publish the findings of this research on www.globalworkplaceinnovation.com in the autumn.