For Public Review

Here's a piece I am working on. The question is below. I attempt to answer it. It is a work in progress; any comments will be appreciated. I must dutifully thank Dody and Wonderwoman for their previous help, which was superb.

What expectations will recent graduates have when they start working, and what policies should be in place?

This section is focused around the assumption that SEG is hiring a young, recent graduate, but much of the philosophy is also applicable in the event an older, more experienced person joins the team. It rests on tenets related to three basic concepts/ideas, and is supplanted with concrete examples. The three sections are active engagement, flexibility, and office/equipment. The ultimate goal is the employee including work under the umbrella of his civic, personal, and family life, instead of disengaging it once he leaves the office. To do so, work must be as enjoyable as the rest of life and the work place should be an environment equivalent to the extension of the place he enjoys most: his home.

Active engagement refers to consciously taking part in the employee’s development and work life. Is continuing his education an option? In a field such as engineering, it is not only economically critical to keep employees at the cutting edge, but that is also an option many engineers value and enjoy taking advantage of. Does the company allow young engineers to participate in and learn about new and different aspects of projects? Every employee should feel challenged. It doesn’t matter if it is hard, so long as it is also interesting. Exploit the energy youth brings to a new company! Set clear, high expectations, and the authority to achieve them. Then, allow some mistakes to be made, but include a feedback system that maximizes the learning from such an event. From here, allow a mentorship relationship to build. Lastly, encourage specialization, whether it involves some research and development time or a few hours per week of self-directed work. A steady and relevant supply of new experiences allows employees to remain savvy and shows the company values and is willing to invest in them.

By far one of the greatest advantages a small firm offers over a large firm is its flexibility. A dynamic working environment, allowing as much ____ will go a long way towards maintaining and boosting morale. For example, permitting tennis shoes and a relaxed dress code, for example, is valued by the younger generation to an extent the older generation may not realize. This should also permeate into scheduling as well. No employee wants to feel like a criminal for showing up at 9:20 when work supposedly MUST start at 9:00. Extending this further, why force an employee to work at a time they won’t be productive? Why not allow them to work on a schedule they dictate?[1] If a set schedule is the course, modifying it for summer hours is generally received with great enthusiasm. An employee realizing all his preferences is a more productive and loyal employee, a benefit all can enjoy.

Lastly, if SEG expects to retain A-type employees that do A-type work, it is natural to provide them with A-type equipment and office space, again incorporating as much flexibility as possible into such an endeavor. Different working environments appeal to different people, thus some may prefer working at a large desk while others may prefer using the desk as storage and working on a couch.[2] Provide solid, new equipment, establish some working parameters, and allow some customization. Do not underestimate the high standards many young employees have for computers and software. In maintaining the workplace as an extension of the home, stock a refrigerator with snacks and drinks, and consider going the extra mile by providing an oven and/or equipped kitchen.[3] Create an environment of interaction where employees can seamlessly and easily stay after hours for extra work or to invite friends for a drink.

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[1] Given all meetings and deadlines are met.

[2] This stems from a true-life example.

[3] This is a great opportunity to build social capital by cooking together.