You might have noticed there's a whole lot of buzz around about the Generations. So what exactly does it mean to be Gen Y? And who is Gen X? And does it matter when it comes to choosing or changing careers and keeping everyone happy at work?
It seems almost everyone has something to say about the elusive Gen Y. According to experts, like human resources consultant, and author Avril Henry, Gen Y are tech-savvy, motivated, sociable and they think very differently to other members of the workforce.
"They have been brought up by baby boomers to be self-confident, self-aware and to challenge the status quo. We have made them impatient by constantly stimulating them their entire lives - through technology, sport, and instant gratification."
"They have been told they can do anything and be anyone."
Gen Y thrive on change. Predictions are that the average Gen Y will change career five times and two times before they are 30. They will have in excess of 29 employers, will work overseas multiple times and be self-employed more than once.
GENERATION | CHARACTERISTICS |
GENERATION Y
'Net Generation'
Born from 1980
| Optimistic, self-confident, strong morals and sense of civic duty, think
differently, expect greater workplace flexibility and work/life balance,
want options, challenge and feedback |
GENERATION X
'Latch Key' kids
Born 1965-1979 | Resourceful, individualistic, self-reliant, and sceptical of authority, often had both parents working, focus on relationships, outcomes, their rights and skills at work, easy to recruit, hard to retain |
BABY BOOMERS
Born 1946-1964
| Ambitious, loyal, believe employment is 'for life', job status and symbols important, created concepts of 'workaholic' and 'Superwoman' |
VETERANS
Born prior to 1946
| Grew up during war, disciplined, respect law & order, directive management
style, fixed views on gender roles |
It's a concept difficult for the earlier generations to grasp. Veterans hate change, baby boomers aren't comfortable with it, and while Generation X are relatively at ease with change, for Gen Y it is a way of life.
"Its okay. It doesn't mean they are indecisive, it just means they won't stay in a job if they aren't enjoying it," she said.
Considerable research has been conducted and written on the four generations, each with its own defining set of values, views and expectations. (See table). Henry believes modern-day workplaces need to be aware of these differences and change the way they think if they are going to hang on to Gen Y employees. Flexibility is important as is a positive, fun environment where they are kept in the loop.
"I actually like to call them Generation W-H-Y, because why is their favourite word. Whether they are at work or at home, they want to understand the bigger picture and how what they are doing fits in," she said.
"We need to change the way we think, and step outside a non-traditional approach, especially given the current skills shortage. If it takes five or 10 years before they are considered for a promotion, then Gen Y isn't interested."
| HOW TO KEEP GEN Y HAPPY |
+ Flexible work schedules |
| + Work/life balance |
+ Fun team culture |
+ Inspiring leadership and mentoring |
+ Regular, constructive leadership |
+ Cutting edge technology |
+ State of the art training |
+Info about the big picture |
Henry was recently involved in a review of the Defence Force's recruitment and retention practices, to help increase and attract more recruits. One proposal she made was for a gap year, to allow school leavers to experience one year in service, before deciding whether to commit for a longer period.
"It's about giving them the opportunity to try before they buy."
According to Henry, the new generation of workers are motivated by finding a manager they can learn from, they respect and who is willing to develop, mentor and coach them. In the modern era, the balance of power has shifted from employers to employees. The need to attract and retain Generation Y has never been more critical as Baby Boomers start to hit retirement age over the next 20 years.
"Contrary to popular belief, Gen Y are not unreliable or lazy. Yes, they are restless but it's about how you harness that and turn it into positive energy."
Avril Henry has just released her latest book, Inspiring Tomorrow's Leaders Today: Breaking Down Generational Barriers at Work, which is available from the website.
