Generation Y and the workplace April 10, 2008
Posted by Luna in Uncategorized.Tags: conference, exploding myths, gen-y, generation y, graduate recruitment, the careers group
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If you were looking for a concise summary of the ways Gen-Y differ from previous generations in the workplace, take a look at this list:
Jobinablog: Generation Y’ers- 10 things you need to know about recruiting them
As someone in the catchment area of Generation Y (I am 24) I can’t help but admit that many of the points made do ring true. But I wonder if this description can be limited to the under-27s, or whether we are just part of a general movement in HR and people’s attitude to the workplace.
Also, there are contradictions and inconsistencies as can be expected from a theory that lumps ALL young people together. Compare point 5 (“Money is key”) to point 10 (“What does money mean to them? A means to an end … they will earn (and spend) what it takes to do that, not much more”).
Pinch of salt, anyone?!
It’s true that it’s difficult to lump all young people into the same basket of characteristics. I think the author meant that money is important because many of them see their relative incomes as status symbols, as well as a means to a lifestyle.
I don’t agree with the author that young people aren’t interested in earning much more than they need to survive – banking and consulting are still hot industries and will be as long as they keep shelling out the dough.