In 2011, Deloitte LLP added a #3 ranking on Brill Street’s “Top 50 Chicago Generation Y Employers” list to a number of awards recognizing its workplace culture.  The accolades are a source of pride for the organization, from being named to Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list for the 13th year to earning a 100% rating in the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index.

As the largest professional services organization in Chicago and the U.S., Deloitte has more than 3,700 employees locally and more than 51,000 across the country who provide audit, enterprise risk, tax, consulting and financial advisory services to public and private companies. In a company of that size, how does Deloitte keep Gen Y employees engaged with the organization?

For starters, Deloitte believes that its Gen Y employees represent its next generation of leaders and is committed to helping them develop their professional skills.  It recently opened Deloitte University, a $300 million, state-of-the-art learning and leadership development center on 107 acres near Dallas.  The campus was designed to be a place where Deloitte professionals network and build relationships, grow together and develop as leaders. Training modules focus on the development of technical, professional, industry and leadership skills.  These sessions are delivered through the latest innovations in virtual and in-person training techniques, including experiential learning, team gaming, simulations and interactive scenarios that require collaboration and networking.  

Central Region Talent Leader Lee Pochyly says, “Deloitte University will provide our professionals access to continuous learning and development opportunities that are integrated into their work and allow them to continuously increase their value as professionals.”

The facility contains 800 guest rooms, 35 classrooms, a plethora of team rooms and a 150-foot media wall.  Deloitte’s Gen Y employees can expect to stay entertained with a two-mile outdoor trail, onsite entertainment room, plenty of dining options and DFit, an indoor fitness center. DFit offers cardio equipment, free weights and strength machines, group exercise classes (spinning, yoga, mat Pilates, Zumba), health and fitness assessments and personal training. 

When not at Deloitte University, the organization’s leadership connects to its younger employees through the Gen Y Council.  The Council consists of a group of Gen Y leaders who reflect Deloitte’s different practice areas and geographies.  Leaders discuss with the Council what is important to them for their long-term careers.  At the same time, Council members serve as a sounding board by participating in projects that are of interest to them and important to Deloitte leadership. 

Additional interaction occurs during social events like “Chicago Connects,” gatherings planned throughout the year to allow Deloitte employees to connect with each other and celebrate accomplishments.  The firm, as the professional services sponsor of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committees, has invited several athletes such as Apolo Anton Ohno and Melissa Stockwell to speak about their success.

Finally, Deloitte has made flexibility a cornerstone of its workplace culture. Gen Y workers are encouraged to have formal discussions throughout the year with their managers about career-life fit and whether or not they need to make changes to their workload, pace, schedule or role. 

And if they want to have an impact on their communities, Gen Y professionals can participate in a variety of ways. Deloitte offers a robust community involvement program that allows employees to use their skills to help nonprofits address their business challenges through pro bono projects, seminars and board service. 

From its new leadership training center to its flexible work environment, it’s plain to see Deloitte values the contributions of its Gen Y employees and has created a workplace culture where leaders thrive.