By Jill Nagy

Young people want a safe work environment and “employee engagement” is a big buzzword these days, said Gail Hamel of Hamel Resources LLC, an HR consultant based  in Glens Falls.

They want more feedback and they want it more often, she added.

Young adults tend to come from homes with close communication between parents and children and an opportunity to participate in family decisions, Hamel said. They were raised in a world of “helicopter parents” and “participation trophies” and expect to see some of that reflected in the workplace.

“They look for a workplace where they are included,”  she said. They also seek growth opportunities and a chance to make  a difference in their communities.

“Their defining moments have been horrific,” said Hamel, referring to incidents like 9/11, the Columbine shootings and others. At the same time, they have a smaller world at their fingertips, thanks to the Internet.

By Rachel Phillips

Businesses with cluttered offices or cramped reception areas might think that their poorly designed spaces are just a minor inconvenience, but one local business believes otherwise.

According to Dorothy Rogers-Bullis, owner of drb Business Interiors in Saratoga Springs, an office with properly utilized space has more benefits than being aesthetically pleasing.

“We make people very successful in their space,” said Rogers-Bullis.

Similarly, while a business can’t function without hardworking employees, there’s no denying the role equipment can play in deter. Whether it’s break room supplies, printer ink and toner, computer hardware, everyday office supplies, or cleaning supplies, Seeley Office Systems, which serves businesses in Saratoga, Washington and Warren counties, has a broad catalogue of wares available for business owners.

The business is an elite dealer of Konica Minolta copiers, which are available for sale or lease, and can be purchased new, or used. Megan Seeley, marketing director for Seeley Office Systems said,  “We have noticed a huge uptick in demand for pre-owned copiers and refurbished toner. Businesses are realizing that this is both environmentally conscious and cost-effective- since you are no longer sacrificing quality with many used or refurbished devices and products. The Konica Minolta brand is really strong, and we are market leaders in the area with used machines.”