Christmas – a time for giving and receiving – but what does a modern graduate truly value at this time of year? Leading placement agency, Graduate Recruitment Bureau (GRB), asked graduates and undergraduates which of four work related gifts they would choose if their employer gave them the choice.
A clear favourite was a 5 per cent pay rise which 37% opted for. The second most popular choice was financial assistance and time-off to pursue a professional qualification; voted for by 32% of the 500 plus respondents. Less popular was an extra week’s holiday which just 21% chose. Trailing in last place was flexible working hours which a mere one in ten opted for.
Reflecting on the results, Dan Hawes co-founder of GRB, said, “The popularity of a pay increase is almost certainty a reflection of the financial pressures that graduates face in the current climate. Rising student debt and a degree of wage stagnation present many graduates with budgeting challenges. However, in spite of these financial pressures, one in three of the respondents selected employer support to achieve professional qualifications, emphasising the importance that graduates place on their professional development. They really do want to earn and learn.”
Hawes continued, “Having more time off or more control over your working hours turn out to be significantly less popular gifts to find in Christmas stockings, suggesting that today’s graduates are adopting a more pragmatic approach to their careers. An extra week’s holiday, while a ‘nice to have’ benefit, does not pay the bills or advance your career. If employers are tuned into their graduate recruits it is one step closer to having happier and more productive staff in their firm.”
About Graduate Recruitment Bureau (GRB)
- Graduate Recruitment Bureau (GRB) are recognised as the UK’s leading, independent, graduate recruitment consultancy. Established by two graduates in 1997, GRBs experts have helped and placed over 600,000 students and graduates with FTSE250 and fast growing recruiters in all sectors worldwide. With other recruitment partners, GRB aims to eradicate graduate unemployment.
- Dan Hawes, GRB co-founder, is available for interview and can be contacted on 01273 200411 or d.hawes@grb.uk.com
- Website www.grb.uk.com