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

Employers expect to hire nearly 14% more college graduates thisyear than in 2005. In fact, nearly 88 percent of the employerssurveyed say they are seeing increased competition for new collegegrads, according to the National Association of Colleges & Employers.Adecco Staffing attributes this to the fact that we are increasinglybecoming a knowledge-worker labor market, therefore college graduatesare sought-after even though their boomer bosses will be stayingactive in the workforce longer than the traditional retirement age of65.

"The four generations making up today's workforce come togetherwith different expectations, assumptions, priorities and approaches towork and communication," said Bernadette Kenny, SVP Human Resources,Adecco Staffing North America. "Because each generation has its ownattitude and style, effective communication is critical. The betteremployees across generations understand each other, the moreproductive they will be at work."

Today's graduates have a much different perspective on work, lifeand culture than older employees. The shift away from traditionalcareer paths and work values will accelerate in the coming years asthe age differences in the workforce become more pronounced and asbaby boomers delay retirement. It is important for organizations torecognize the needs and values of each generation in order to recruitand retain top talent.

Kenny offers the following five tips for this year's Gen Y gradsto 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'sgraduates:

-- 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 MultigenerationalWorkforce" published by Adecco Staffing, outlines how members of eachgeneration brings a distinct set of values, attitudes and behaviors tothe workplace. The findings and recommendations in this white paperare based upon careful observations by experts who have studiedgenerational differences and likenesses in the workplace, as well asAdecco's experience in helping people build their careers. "ManagingToday's Multigenerational Workforce" is available upon request bye-mailing chelsea.palmer@ogilvypr.com.

ABOUT ADECCO:

Adecco S.A. is a Fortune Global 500 company and the global leaderin HR services. The Adecco Group network connects over 700,000associates with business clients each day through its network of over33,000 employees and 6,600 offices in over 70 countries andterritories around the world. Registered in Switzerland, and managedby a multinational team with expertise in markets spanning the globe,the Adecco Group delivers an unparalleled range of flexible staffingand career resources to corporate clients and qualified associates.

Adecco S.A. is registered in Switzerland (ISIN: CH001213860) andlisted 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 atwww.adeccousa.com.