HP INNOVATION FALL / WINTER 2022 37

2008

THERE WAS A TIME , not so long ago , when the perks of a new office job were mostly fun or financial — catered lunches and happy hours , free snacks and 401K matches . But , as work / life balance has become more of a priority and competition for fresh talent keeps getting tighter , employers are realizing that the newest generation of employees are looking for more than perks — they want purpose .

The opportunity to do good — with their employer ’ s support and even on company time — has become a benefit on par with flexible work schedules or a generous vacation policy , and may do as much to keep them happy in their roles .

Michelle Hernandez , a millennial and talent management specialist at NBCUniversal who has been with the company for five years , says a highlight of her job has been mentoring high schoolers on possible career paths and packing care kits to send to children in the hospital .

“ Working for a company that participates in the communities we serve as a business is very important ,” Hernandez says . “ Getting to meet new colleagues along the way and learn from all those who participate in these programs has certainly played a role in defining my time here .” J

CLOSED LOOP INKJET CARTRIDGE Engineers , chemists , and partners at HP landed an industry first by using postconsumer recycled plastics from the HP Planet Partners program , such as water bottles and empty cartridges , in the production of new inkjet print cartridges ( now Original HP Ink and Toner ), all while maintaining high-quality standards , saving energy , and keeping plastic out of landfills .