Gen Y Itching for Pro Bono

An article in this summer’s issue of the Harvard Business Review outlines the needs of Gen Y in the workplace. Their expectations can be met by integrating pro bono as a core part of the professional lives for this generation.

1. The majority want their work to offer them a range of new experiences and challenges.

Pro bono service enables Gen Y professionals to diversify their experiences and challenges by serving a broader set of clients in ways that ask them to apply their talents in different environments.

2. 86% say it is important that their work makes a positive impact in the world.

Enough said. The reality is that most corporate employers can only pay lip service to the claim of meeting this need. Philanthropy and volunteerism doesn’t meet this need because these initiatives at corporations are not utilizing professionals’ “work” to make those differences. Pro bono is about doing work that makes a positive impact.

3. Working in teams is a top motivator.

Granted, not all pro bono is done in teams, but a lot of it is. Pro bono projects can often be done by teams of folks who have little experience working together. It helps to build new relationships.

Perhaps we should rename Gen Y, the Pro Bono Junkie (PBJ) Generation. Join their ranks as a do-gooders now by clicking here.