Organizations face major challenges with recruitment, retention, management and development of their Young Emerging Professionals (YEP), while navigating four generations in the workplace.
In response to these challenges, Spectrum Knowledge, in conjunction with California State University – Fullerton’s Center for Research on Employment and the Workforce (CREW), has launched the YEP Initiative. The YEP Initiative addresses these challenges, as it focuses on generational workplace issues from the perspective of young professionals. Our initiative includes research, training and sharing of best practices across multiple companies. Topics covered by the YEP Initiative include talent management, recruitment, retention, as well as employee and leadership-pipeline development.
The Gen Y Perceptions Study addresses Gen Y’s perceptions regarding themselves, as well as analyzes the gap between their perceptions and that of Gen X and Boomers regarding young employees. The study will be widely distributed by Cal State Fullerton’s CREW to a broad range of companies and their employees, as well as to a nationwide network of university career centers, college students and alumni associations.
The YESS (Young Employee Savvy and Success) Program is for young employees who want to advance their careers and companies willing to invest in their professional development. The fastpaced training program will cover:
- Impressive First Impressions
- Organizational Dynamics and Political Savvy
- Netiquette and Etiquette: Meetings, Messages & Meals
- Networking and Building Relationships
- Persuasion and Getting Your Point Across
- Understanding the Generations
The Council will participate in focus groups which will inform the development of an annual publication,” The Guide to developing Young Professionals." The annual guide will be widely distributed by Cal State Fullerton's CREW to a broad range of companies and their employees, as well as to a nationwide network of university career centers, college students and alumni associations. The guide will assist companies and recruiters with targeting, retaining and developing young employees.
The YEP (Young Emerging Professionals) Council will consist of representatives from 20 companies selected for their willingness to invest in young professionals, to participate in Council employees. surveys, to share best practices for the professional development of young employees and to promote intergenerational discussions. These council members are leaders in their organizations who show high potential and have the support of their company executives. We will form an Executive Advisory Board comprised of executives from multiple organizations.