EMPLOYERS are finding the younger generation of Filipino workers to be the least engaged in the workplace, according to a study by global professional services firm Aon.

In the Aon Best Employers Insights study for 2017, the research firm said Filipinos born after 1991, or those part of the millennial age group, were found to have the lowest level of engagement in the workplace at 65%.

The results were collated from a survey of 550 organizations in the Asia Pacific and the Middle East, covering over 700,000 employees, covering companies with staffing of at least 50 were included.

“As millennials by their very nature, they’re living in an instant gratification society. And one of the trends we’re seeing is how do we get feedback from them, and how do we come out with the exact programs,” Aon Executive Director for External Communications in the Asia Pacific Maneesh Sah told reporters in a media roundtable in Makati yesterday.

Aon said millennials are changing the dynamics of the workplace such that employers are coming up with more programs that would help transform people’s practices.

“For millennials they want to be in constant touch, with constant feedback… And more than that they want to be heard, and they want to see action,” Aon Talent Practice Lead and Chief Commercial Officer for the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa Mollie Kohn said.

Aon Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Philippines Chief Executive Officer Andrew Minnitt noted one way to engage millennials more in the workplace is through the use of social media, where employers can give them recognition for hard work.

“Rewards and recognition are the platforms they enjoy. So whereas for the Gen X recognition would be a pat in the back, a millennial might shy away from that. But if you recognize them on a social media platform, just a quick, ‘Hey well done.’ That’s something that can be shared, that other people can feel good about. It’s simple, but very effective,” Mr. Minnitt said.

The study forms part of the research firm’s Best Employers Program, which recognizes companies across various sectors. Among the winners was Golden Arches Development Corp., the franchisee of the McDonald’s brand in the Philippines, which was distinguised for its “Commitment to Generation Y.”

Asked about the specific practices for millennials Golden Arches practices, Senior Vice President for Human Capital Group Chona Torre said the company continues to provide youth employment through its own programs as well as partnerships with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Education.

“We create incentives, cater the recognition programs to the age group. So we do ask them what kind of prizes that they’re into, and we provide the prizes that they want. And it’s really motivating them to try to meet the business goals as well but having fun while doing it through these different incentives,” Ms. Torre said.

Around 90% of the 50,000 employees in Golden Arches’ 540 stores nationwide are millennials, which will continue to increase as it continues its expansion program of adding 50 stores a year.

Ms. Torre also added that the company does not engage in contractualization, noting that employees are given a six-month probationary period before being regularized, giving them a higher retention rate. — Arra B. Francia

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