Generation Y. Loosely defined as those born between 1982 and 1999, but better characterized for being media-savvy, having inflated self-esteems, and refusing to ever grow-up; hence nicknames like the Peter Pan generation or the Trophy kids. But despite some negative connotation in these titles, this generation refuses to simply adjust to the traditional workplace, but instead will make the workplace adjust to them.
They seem to have caught a bad rep for being lazy or even unprofessional, perhaps because they see no problem texting as a means of main communication, asking mom or dad for help with a work issue, or thinking Jeggins constitute as business casual.
But this sense of entitlement is shaping the modern workplace, and as these millennials continue to replace the baby boomers, the work world will change along with them. Having grown up with parents and guardians who tried to be friends with their kids, it’s not surprising that the connection between elders and authority has been blurred. Gen Yer’s are not afraid to ask for what they want and this boldness has been boosting their presence in the workplace.
Whether the members of Gen X like it or not, this new generation has been classified as the most educated and most diverse generation in history, and their knowledge and experience with media and technology has already put them years ahead of the game at such a young age.
Research has shown that the US has the most demanding workforce our of developed countries by significant numbers. Annually, we work over 400 hours more than the Dutch, over 300 hours more than the Germans and French, and even have the stereotypically hard-working Japanese beat by over 50 hours. And with over half our working population as women, we are the only one of these countries without guaranteed paid maternity leave.
These type of conditions aren’t the characteristics of the future work world led by millennial. Their mindset is about blending the “work-life balance” that once insinuated an equal amount and distinct separation of the two. They expect a workplace that prioritizes their personal values and puts family first due to their closeness they’ve become accustomed to growing up. They want challenging work that keeps them on their toes, but without the 9-5 clock in everyday. Their familiarity with the ability to communicate from anywhere and everywhere through endless electronic means has developed their mobile mindset, which doesn’t fit the traditional corporate mold.
In addition, they’ve grown up with an increasing emphasis on extracurriculars that were necessary to give them the edge in one of the most competitive fields of college recruiting. These interests promoted creativity, boosted self-esteem, and heightened expectations of what they deserve. So, despite over 53 percent of college grads being unemployed after graduation, they still have no problem demanding to be heard in the workplace.
These upbringings have begun molding the not-so-distant future workplace to one where employees are based on performance and not presence while thriving on quick and regular feedback that produces tangible benefits. These once over-privileged, self-confident kids will, in just 15 years, make up 3 quarters of the workforce and have redesigned the way America works.
Differences between Generation Y and previous generations:
- Use modern tools to remember deadlines, quickly execute projects, and communicate easily.
- Are more likely to love their jobs because they won’t stay in a job just to feel financially comfortable and will find jobs that match their passions
- Eager to try new experiences and emphasize creative ways of thinking
- Refuse to be workaholics and balance interests and hobbies with their time spent working