Les pratiques d'attraction et de rétention de la génération Y dans les PME
The owner-managers of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly interested in human resource management (HRM), which some see as a competitive advantage for the shortage of current workforce. Starting from the assumption that the compatibility between the characteristics of the workforce and the ones of organization can generates positives outcomes (Kristof-Brown and Guay, 2011), our study examines the link between HRM practices in association with Generation Y’s work values and their effect on SMEs’ ability to attract and retain this new cohort within their organization.  This qualitative study was conducted using primary data collected through interviews with managers of four SME in the construction sector and with sixteen Gen Y employees from these companies. We found that the quality of the relationships, both with colleagues and supervisors, usually remains the main source of attraction and retention of this workforce in SMEs. Our results also support that the attraction and retention of Gen Y may be heavily promoted through unlimited two-way communication, strategic communication and freedom in time management and working methods. Balancing work and personal life, various challenges, opportunities of advancement, socially responsible management, recognition of skills and participative management practices are most strongly linked to the attraction and retention of this generation. Moreover, our results showed that the attraction and retention of Y in SMEs is moderately enhanced by teamwork, fair and objective working conditions and competitive compensation package. Otherwise, the presence of information and communication technology and training opportunities are weaker sources of attraction and retention.  Finally, this study contributes to the literature on HRM in SMEs, since the specificities of this type of business were not considered until now. It also allows the recommendation of useful practice for owner-managers and HR professionals involved with the challenge of attracting and retaining Gen Y in their company.
Attraction Attraction Human resource management Gen Y Small and medium enterprise Retention Work values