Young Professionals: How can we engage, retain & attract?

1. Young Professionals: How can we engage, retain & attract? June 14, 2010 Prepared by: Emily Newark Account Manager, BDC

2. Why is this topic so important? • 1. DEMOGRAPHICS • 2. KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMIES • 3. COMPETITIVENESS • 4. COMMUNITY-ENHANCEMENT

3. DEMOGRAPHICS • Recession exacerbated the problem • Time is limited • Highly mobile workforce • If you don’t proactively look for these people; others will.

4. KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMIES

5. KNOWLEDGE-BASED ECONOMIES • High paying jobs won’t come to the area without an educated workforce. • it’s a cycle • High paying jobs are an integral part of a strong economy – spinoff effect to the rest of the community

6. COMPETITIVENESS • These factors are all leading to a competitive nature amongst communities to attract a young, educated workforce. • Young adults are twice as likely to move to other states or provinces as middle-aged people. • Cities/areas recognize the future of their economies depends on attracting young professionals NOW!....

7. A very personal example…. “Mom, Dad, I am moving home.”

8. Leaving home for University & the big city… McGill University, Montreal, Quebec GO HABS GO!!!!

9. What ultimately brought me back to the area? Opportunity!

10. Early Engagement • Not just about experience, but exposure to the opportunities that exist in the area. • Importance of programs such as the Summer Job Placement Program • Our local employers have to recognize the long-term value of hiring summer students within their industry

11. ATTRACT ENGAGE RETAIN ENGAGE

12. ATTRACTION • Vitality – strong economies attract strong individuals • Participate in on-campus recruitment and summer-job programs • Stress the natural strengths of the area • Relatively low cost of living • Security – good place to raise a family • Proximity to border • Educational facilities • Affordable recreational activities; golf clubs, the River, sports teams etc. -

14. Attraction: What are YP’s looking for from employers? • Globe and Mail article from June 01, 2010, “Full list of Top 50 Employers for Young People” • There are several factors which stand out amongst the top employers: • Environmentally friendly • Immediate health benefits • Generous annual vacations starting after one year • Top-ups to maternity leave • Alternative or flexible work options • Professional development opportunities & mentorship • Subsidies for additional education* These are no longer seen as perks!

15. Provide the Opportunities for our YP’s to ENGAGE • We need to encourage our YP’s to become active members in our community organizations • Brockville Chamber Future Leaders Initiative • Rotarac • It’s about more than just inclusion; it’s about empowerment and a sense of contribution • Highlight the work & successes of our younger citizens

16. Quality of Life • Sports leagues • Music scene • Outdoor activities • Creative arts • Diversity • Restaurants • Schools • Access to health care

17. Retention • Job security – vitality of the economy • The engagement in the community, the sense of contribution to the area and quality of life, are what ultimately lead to retention.

18. Suggestions • Engage your YP’s to serve on boards and commissions • In meaningful & challenging roles • Encourage top-employers to participate in student summer job placement programs • Market directly to the younger generation • Organize music festivals, cultural festivals that include appeal to young adults - EXPOSURE

19. MOST YOUNG PROFESSIONALS DON’T LIVE TO WORK, BUT WORK TO LIVE! • As an economic area we need to provide YP’s with the opportunities, sense of purpose, resources and social avenues that make them want to come live and prosper in our area. • THE FUTURE OF OUR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY DEPENDS ON IT!