2006 College Grads Enter Unique and Challenging Workplace; Adecco Gives Advice on Four Generations Working Together to Shape Wo

This spring, thousands of college grads will enter the
workforce. Are they prepared to work in a multigenerational workplace?
This unique collision of generational waves is forcing us to rethink -
and revamp - how we hire, manage and train employees. Adecco Staffing
North America, the world's largest provider of workforce solutions,
offers tips for employees and managers to navigate this challenging
new dynamic.
   Employers expect to hire nearly 14% more college graduates this
year than in 2005. In fact, nearly 88 percent of the employers
surveyed say they are seeing increased competition for new college
grads, according to the National Association of Colleges & Employers.
Adecco Staffing attributes this to the fact that we are increasingly
becoming a knowledge-worker labor market, therefore college graduates
are sought-after even though their boomer bosses will be staying
active in the workforce longer than the traditional retirement age of
65.
   "The four generations making up today's workforce come together
with different expectations, assumptions, priorities and approaches to
work and communication," said Bernadette Kenny, SVP Human Resources,
Adecco Staffing North America. "Because each generation has its own
attitude and style, effective communication is critical. The better
employees across generations understand each other, the more
productive they will be at work."
   Today's graduates have a much different perspective on work, life
and culture than older employees. The shift away from traditional
career paths and work values will accelerate in the coming years as
the age differences in the workforce become more pronounced and as
baby boomers delay retirement. It is important for organizations to
recognize the needs and values of each generation in order to recruit
and retain top talent.
   Kenny offers the following five tips for this year's Gen Y grads
to successfully navigate the multigenerational workplace:

   --  See the big picture. For this year's grads, the first step in
        entering the workforce is to acknowledge that there are four
        generations working together in the same environment. Your
        manager might be someone close to your age or might be someone
        much older. The key is understanding that each generation
        works differently and has their own unique approaches to
        managing staff.

   --  Gen X and boomers expect ambition and drive. Nothing will
        impress your boss more than being a self-starter. The baby
        boomers are a generation of independent, over-achieving
        multi-taskers. They worked hard and want to see that drive in
        the next generation of workers. Don't be afraid to come up
        with new ideas and take on more responsibilities if you're not
        feeling challenged or if you are trying to get ahead. It will
        be noticed and appreciated.

   --  Customize how you manage up. While this is quite possibly one
        of the most challenging aspects of being a young, new
        employee, it is imperative to master this from the onset -
        especially if you report to multiple managers from different
        generational groups. Understand their needs and expectations
        and know how to work with and respond to them differently. A
        Gen-X manager may have a much different style than a baby
        boomer.

   --  Get to know your coworkers. Spend five minutes around the
        water cooler, walk around the office, participate in group
        projects or office social events - anything that allows you to
        form bonds with your coworkers and develop a personal
        understanding of the diverse backgrounds, age groups and
        beliefs that exist in your workplace.

   --  Be open-minded. New workers will be exposed to many ideas,
        strategies and processes in their first years on the job. Be
        open-minded when you get a recommendation from superiors and
        welcome all advice.

   Kenny offers the following five tips for attracting this year's
graduates:

   --  Gen Y is technologically savvy. As technology continues to
        evolve, offering telecommuting to employees makes an
        organization more attractive to Generation Y. This tactic
        often increases morale and productivity and allows employees
        to find situations in which they work best.

   --  Gen Y wants balance too. Gen Y comes to the table wanting a
        work-life balance. Enabling this generation to have flexible
        schedules is also key in retaining them in your organization,
        as parents, family, and faith are central to this generation.

   --  Give them some independence. Gen Y works with a high degree of
        independence and constantly seeks new challenges. They like to
        work on their own terms and figure things out for themselves
        so it is important to consider giving them some freedom to
        work in this manner.

   --  Keep your workplace "fun." While Gen Y is a generation of
        self-starters and hard workers, they still want to have fun at
        work. They want work to be a place they want to go every day,
        not a chore. Try to maintain a positive environment that
        encourages learning and hard work, but also allows employees
        to have a sense of fun.

   --  Gen Y wants to be treated as a partner. Gen Y is not afraid to
        challenge the status quo. Managers who "partner" with their
        Gen Y workers with a "we're all in this together attitude"
        will find that their younger employees are pragmatic,
        hardworking and have a strong sense of self and individualism.

   A recent white paper titled, "Managing Today's Multigenerational
Workforce" published by Adecco Staffing, outlines how members of each
generation brings a distinct set of values, attitudes and behaviors to
the workplace. The findings and recommendations in this white paper
are based upon careful observations by experts who have studied
generational differences and likenesses in the workplace, as well as
Adecco's experience in helping people build their careers. "Managing
Today's Multigenerational Workforce" is available upon request by
e-mailing [e-mail].

   ABOUT ADECCO:

   Adecco S.A. is a Fortune Global 500 company and the global leader
in HR services. The Adecco Group network connects over 700,000
associates with business clients each day through its network of over
33,000 employees and 6,600 offices in over 70 countries and
territories around the world. Registered in Switzerland, and managed
by a multinational team with expertise in markets spanning the globe,
the Adecco Group delivers an unparalleled range of flexible staffing
and career resources to corporate clients and qualified associates.
   Adecco S.A. is registered in Switzerland (ISIN: CH001213860) and
listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange with trading on virt-x (SWX/VIRT-X:
ADEN), the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ADO) and Euronext Paris -
Premier Marche (EURONEXT: ADE).
   Additional information is available at the company's website at
www.adeccousa.com.