MEDIA RELEASE
Australian workers drawn to workplaces with strong ethical,
environmental values
November 10, 2009 –
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,
“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:
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 organisation’s reputation for ethical
conduct is ‘very important’.
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 ‘very important’.
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.
2
“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 favourably
by prospective
employees,” Mr Bowmer said.
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
Media contact:
Bob Bowden, Foresight Communications,
02 9241 2811, or 0412 753 298
bbowden@bowmac.com.au
NEWS 
