This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
Generation Y: This is our ideal workplace ¶
Published on July 5, 2019
Times have changed, and so have workplaces. Millennials are stepping up to take their place in the job market as older folks exit the scene. Decent pay, handsome retirement benefits, and opportunities for promotion have, for long, been the main motivators for employees. However, it appears that young professionals don't care much about material things.
Research shows that the youth prefer a cosy workplace that allows them to be adventurous, a work environment that allows them flexible working hours, and where dress code is not enforced. More importantly, millennials want to interact and share ideas with their bosses without the barriers of hierarchy.
We spoke to young professionals and students who tell us the kind of work environments they would like to work in. Steve Ocholla, a 22-year-old student at Kenyatta University, says that for him, work-life balance ranks higher than a hefty pay cheque. 'Health is more important than money, allowances or bonuses. Recreation heals my body and mind from work-related stress, and it keeps me rejuvenated.'
Steve also believes that a good balance between his career and his personal life will make him more productive. 'Even if the company offered me compensation for working extra hours, I would not want to work for them. Nothing, not even my job, should eat into my leisure time.'
He notes that employees with poor work-life balance tend to experience burnout, which has physical and psychological effects. Steve also emphasizes the importance of social awareness in the workplace. 'An organisation ought to develop a culture of appreciating the needs of both its employees and the society. Business leaders should debunk the misconception that some workers are better than others.'
He also wants to work in an organisation that values diversity and tolerates different ideological positions, regardless of ethnicity, gender or religion. 'A clear understanding and support among all groups will foster harmony at work.'
Steve would be happy to work in an organisation that is not strict on social niceties such as dress code, provided employees are decent. He also wants to work in an environment where he can take a selfie and feel free to share it on Instagram.
Another student, Gerald Suleh, 21, from Strathmore University, says that a big salary is not all that motivates him. 'If I had my way, I'd ensure that workers get paid only for work done. When my salary is determined by my output, I am motivated to work harder.'
Gerald's ideal workplace must have strong ethical values, encourage teamwork, and have clear structures for career progression. He also wants to be part of an organisation that trusts its employees to deliver pre-set goals and accords them the necessary support.
He wants to be allowed to come up with new ideas and see them implemented. Gerald believes that loyalty is critical for the success of any relationship and wants to work in an environment where he is motivated to work diligently and protect his employer.
He also wants to work for a company that values communication and has a low turnover of employees. 'Too much pressure and job insecurity could inhibit one's performance.'
Marketing Manager Mercy Temesi, 27, says that for two years after her graduation, she worked in companies where supervisors didn't care about her personal growth. 'My colleagues and I were micromanaged, and were constantly threatened and intimidated. Team leaders only cared about meeting the targets.'
Her dream company is one that allows her to climb the professional ladder without inhibition. She wants to work in a vibrant environment where she is allowed to think on her feet, grow intellectually and in rank as well.
Mercy wants to work for an employer who caters for her financial needs through decent pay and bonuses. She also wishes to work for a company that offers attractive health cover and life assurance plans.
She believes that capacity building, for instance through training, can strengthen individuals' capabilities. Loyalty is created when an organisation invests in its employees' personal development.
Finally, Karen Wairimu, 20, a volunteer at AISEC, says that her guiding principles while looking for a job are flexibility, room for innovation and professional freedom. She wants to work in an environment that sees innovation as a tool for change and where she can work with minimal supervision.
