As the global talent pool narrows, organisations must set aside preconceived notions about young professionals entering the workforce and listen to their insights, according to the latest report from CEMS, The Global Alliance in Management Education.
The report, Within The Future-Forward Workforce, advises businesses to embrace the fresh ideas and perspectives of the next generation to unlock innovation and to of move beyond traditional hiring metrics by prioritising qualities such as adaptability, eagerness to learn and potential for growth over standard measures such as academic grades. It also discusses the importance of fostering collaboration between different age groups, creating opportunities for mutual learning.
To help companies harness young talent, CEMS has collated 10 tips from corporate contributors to the report, including senior representatives from Beiersdorf AG, Amplifon, and Santander:
1. Listen without prejudice: Take the time to truly understand the perspectives of young professionals without preconceived notions. Understand what motivates young talent and what they value and be flexible. Embrace their ideas and insights, recognizing the potential for innovation and fresh thinking they bring.
2. Form intergenerational working groups: Foster collaboration between different age groups within your organization, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and mutual learning. Each generation can offer unique perspectives and experiences that enrich the collective wisdom of the team.
3. Frame decisions with purpose: Consider the impact of every decision on people, planet, and profit. Ensure that organizational actions align with values of sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical conduct.
4. Communicate and clarify: Transparent communication is essential. Clearly explain the rationale behind organizational decisions, highlighting areas where young professionals can contribute and make a difference. Be open to new methods of communication – the best ideas don’t have to come from face-to-face meetings.
5. Invest in skills development: Prioritize continuous learning and skill-building initiatives to empower young professionals to thrive in diverse contexts. Encourage agility and adaptability, maximizing the learning potential of every experience.
6. Cultivate an inclusive culture: Create a workplace environment where young professionals feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute. Embrace diversity and inclusivity as drivers of innovation and organizational success.
7. Stay attuned to evolving needs: Recognize that the preferences and priorities of young professionals are constantly evolving. Stay informed about the motivations and aspirations of the current generation to effectively recruit and retain top talent.
8. Look beyond grades: When evaluating candidates, prioritize qualities such as adaptability, willingness to learn, and potential for growth over traditional metrics like academic grades. Recognize that aptitude and attitude are valuable indicators of future success.
9. Encourage experimentation: Foster a culture of experimentation and risk-taking where young professionals feel comfortable exploring new ideas and initiatives and where failure is seen as a valuable learning opportunity.
10. Provide opportunities for growth: Offer young professionals controlled environments where they can stretch their abilities and take on new challenge.
“Our latest report highlights the powerful, positive impact young professionals can bring to today’s workplace and offer advice to help companies make the most of this,” said Nicole de Fontaines, Executive Director of CEMS. “Our graduates are leading the way in reshaping career paths and redefining what work can mean. Their goals go beyond traditional boundaries, driven by a deep desire for purpose, growth, and fulfillment. As they embark on their careers, they remind us that embracing change is key to progress.
“For companies, there is real value in listening to and engaging with this new generation’s insights. At the same time, it’s crucial that recent graduates benefit from the experience of seasoned colleagues. Successful organisations recognize that a dynamic, reciprocal learning environment - where new hires innovate alongside more experienced team members - enhances growth and keeps the workplace vibrant.”