Graduate turnover can damage companies

Today's graduates are picky about the jobs they do, and will leave like a shot if not kept happy, says a new report.

The Association of Graduate Recruiters (AGR) says modern graduates are not simply obsessed with money - they want a career that creates a good balance between work and life - and plenty of support and help in finding the right balance.

With many companies now posting their jobs on their websites, this new net-savvy graduates are quickly able to surf for other opportunities - just ask any web site manager which section of their site is the most popular.

Retaining graduates and helping to slow staff turnover in general is crucial in maintaining a positive working environment, and the AGR suggests the following measures in helping to keep graduates happy:

• Tell the truth: Jobs which don't match the advertised description will quickly break the spirits of most people. Being honest will make people more likely to stay, cutting down on recruitment costs too.
• Help the work-life balance: Graduates don't want work to rule their lives. A working culture where outside activities are deemed important and encouraged helps a great deal.
• Create a career, not a job: Employers need to help their employees to map out their career paths, rather than leaving them to simply plod along.

Gary Cutlack