Ethical and environmental policies serve as a magnet in attracting employees according to global workplace survey

New Delhi, November 04, 2009 – In choosing where to work, employees across India 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 organizations considered ethically and environmentally responsible, with older workers including Gen X (aged 30-47) and baby boomers (aged 48-65) more discerning than their younger Gen Y (aged 18-29) colleagues.

Almost two-thirds 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 behavior 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 almost 5,000 in India.

Kelly Services Managing Director, Kamal Karanth says, “Employees 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 fulfilment to be part of an enterprise that is focused not only on performance outcomes but also on larger social goals.”

Amongst the key findings of the survey:

90 percent of respondents are more likely to want to work for a company that is considered ethically and socially responsible.
87 percent are more likely to want to work for a company that is considered environmentally responsible.
77 percent say that in deciding where to work, an organization’s reputation for ethical conduct is ‘very important.’
64 percent would be prepared to accept a lesser role or a lower salary to work for a firm with a strong environmental and community conscience.
59 percent say that in deciding where to work, policies aimed at addressing global warming are ‘very important.’

A total of 64 percent of both Gen Y and 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 62 percent.

“Firms 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 favorably by prospective employees,” Kamal concludes.

About the Kelly Global Workforce Index

The Kelly Global Workforce Index is a survey revealing opinions about work and the workplace from a generational viewpoint. Results of the current findings from across Kelly’s global operations in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific will be published throughout 2009 in a series of six releases.

About Kelly Services

Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ: KELYA, KELYB) is a world leader in workforce management services and human resources solutions. Kelly offers a comprehensive array of temporary staffing, permanent placement, outsourcing, and consulting services. Kelly serves clients around the globe and provides employment to 650,000 employees annually. Revenue in 2008 was $5.5 billion. Visit www.kellyservices.co.in

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