Whether it’s because they truly imagine a different future of business, or they just haven’t figured out how corporations work yet, a solid majority of American millennials say they won’t work for a company that lacks strong environmental or social commitments.

So says a new survey of 1,020 U.S. adults employed at large companies. The poll, conducted by Toluna, was commissioned by Cone Communications, a Boston-based P.R. firm, and aimed toward understanding what employers can do to drive employee engagement.

The survey found that 64 percent of millennials said they weren’t interested in working for a company without lofty commitments to ecology and justice, compared to 51 percent of the population overall.

While it corporate altruism is only a deal breaker for half of U.S. workers, 58 percent say they will consider a company’s involvement in social or environmental causes when deciding whether to take a job. Among millennials, 78 percent say the same.

The poll found that young members of Generation X display similar opinions as their slightly-younger colleagues.

“All eyes may be on millennials as the next wave of engaged employees, but companies shouldn’t forget their managers and leaders,” says Lisa Manley, Cone executive vice president of corporate responsibility. “Young Gen Xers share the enthusiasm of their younger cohorts and are ready to invest their time, money, and personal passions to support important issues at the office and in their communities.”

Eighty-five percent of employees said that feeling that they’re making a difference is a powerful motivator. But then again, the same percentage reported that bonuses and gift cards would do the trick. Perks, such as parking spaces or casual Fridays, were cited as potential motivators by 70 percent of employees.

The poll also revealed some interesting trends on how different segments of the workforce prefer to stay in touch with company news.

57 percent said Facebook was their preferred social media platform; no other social network has nearly the reach, particularly among the older generations. Among millennials, nearly half report using Instagram, compared to less than a quarter of the overall U.S. population.

Instant Insights /

Millennials want to see corporate responsibility from employers

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