The Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) has urged employers to remain committed to graduates, following the Association of Graduate Recruiters’ findings that graduate employees lack confidence in their senior managers, while half of graduates would like more opportunity to innovate.

Penny de Valk, the ILM’s chief executive, says: “These new figures are of real concern, particularly at a time when senior managers should be cultivating their brightest young talent to help drive the business forward.
 
“Employers can’t afford to let the development of talented graduates and junior members of staff drop, especially in tough times. Investment in training and development reaps huge rewards, including an increase in loyalty and productivity.

“These views are the norm for Generation Y, and employers have to accept and work with them rather than battle against them. Our own research shows the ability to adapt and develop creative and positive solutions is a very important characteristic, particularly in this economic climate when organisations need to stay ahead of the curve.

“People – especially ambitious young graduates – feel undervalued when they aren’t listened to or their opinions appear to go unnoticed. Employers that underestimate Gen Y are likely to feel the consequences when the recession lifts.”