What is… 'Generation Y'?
- Published: 14 August 2008 14:51
- Author: LGC
- More by this Author
- Last Updated: 13 August 2008 16:51
Poor old 'Generation Y'.
We used to be rude about 'Generation X — easily bored slackers with low ambitions, but at least they had the get-out clause that all they could get was a McJob. But Generation Y, otherwise known as 'the youth of today', are accused of far worse: rudeness, laziness, drunken misbehaviour, and a general inclination to lounge about.
What's more, they seek only instant gratification, are IT-addicted to the point of catatonia and never leave home, thus turning their parents into the 'sandwich generation' that is caring for elderly relatives as well as house-bound 20-somethings. The children of baby boomers who wanted to be their kid's best friend (that was never going to work), they are consequently hopelessly spoiled and useless at drawing on their own resources.
However, there is another side to Generation Y. This group is also ambitious, brand-aware, and quick to move from one job to the next, according to a recent survey carried out by consultancy FreshMinds Talent.
Generation Y is also more likely than older employees to set a high value on workplace culture and friendships. So don't write them off too soon — as long as they can slump over a PC, the sky's the limit.
