In choosing where to work, employees across Australia have a strong preference for employers with a reputation for good ethical and environmental practices, 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 gravitate to organisations considered ethically and environmentally responsible, with baby boomers (aged 48-65) more discerning than their younger colleagues amongst Gen Y (aged 18-29) and Gen X (aged 30-47).
More than half of all workers are prepared to accept a pay cut or a demotion in order to work for an organization with a sound corporate reputation. In fact, concern about ethical behaviour outweighs concern about the environment across all generations when deciding where to work.
The Kelly Global Workforce Index obtained the views of nearly 100,000 people in 34 countries including more than 13,000 in Australia.
Kelly Services Managing Director, James Bowmer said, ìEmployees take pride not only in what they do while at work but in what their organization stands for and how it is perceived by the entire community. It provides a sense of fulfillment to be part of an enterprise that is focused not only on performance outcomes but also on larger social goals.î
Amongst the key findings of the survey:
86 per cent of respondents are more likely to want to work for a company that is considered ethically and socially responsible.
80 per cent are more likely to want to work for a company that is considered environmentally responsible.
70 per cent say that in deciding where to work, an organisationís reputation for ethical conduct is ëvery importantí.
57 per cent would be prepared to accept a lesser role or a lower salary to work for a firm with a strong environmental and community conscience.
34 per cent say that in deciding where to work, policies aimed at addressing global warming are ëvery importantí.
There is a pattern of increased concern for good ethical and environmental practice as employees become older, with baby boomers consistently more aware of social and ethical issues than younger workers.
A total of 61 per cent of baby boomers would be prepared to take a pay cut or a demotion in order to work with a socially conscientious employer, followed by Gen X at 57 per cent and Gen Y at 56 per cent.
ìFirms that develop a culture of social responsibility send a powerful message about the type of talent they want to attract and the organizational norms they want to cultivate. They serve as a benchmark as to what is expected and are viewed favourably by prospective employees,î Mr Bowmer said.
Australian workers being drawn to workplaces with strong ethical and environmental values
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