Are millennial employees (Generation Y), those born between 1980 and 2000, considerably different from Generation X employees (born between 1965 and 1975) and poles apart from baby boomers (people born before 1965)? Every generation bring not just a new perspective on work, but new ideas and methods for getting that work done. Millennials are the first generation to grow up while surrounded by digital media. Tow third of them used computers before the age of five. They never lived a day without technology, and it is a critical component of how they see and interact with the world around them. As such they bring that ethos to the workplace and are often said to be the most technologically savvy generation to date.
Changes in technology have also affected the way people perceive the workplace. Since millennial have always lived in the modern world they are less likely to be constrained by traditions and assumptions around that work “should be”. They’re focused on what work could be. Skilled professionals expect to be paid for what they do, not where they sit. Being at the job isn’t as important to millennial as completing the assigned task. Millennial employees are willing to put in the time to do the job, however they are not interested in “face time.”
Millennial have grown up in a time where information is available instantly. Compared to previous generation, they are more likely to expect ready access to information and social connection all the time, regardless of where they are located. Google and Wikipedia searches result in answer to even the most complicated questions. As such, millennial want to work on challenging and complex issues, and thrive on finding innovations solution.
While there are some generational difference in terms of preferred communication style, due to Familiarity and ease-of-use of some technologies, when it comes to the basic things that make a job rewarding, there are actually more similarities than differences among the generation at work.
Regardless of when they were born, most workers are looking for challenging job where they feel appreciated and respected, have a responsible sense of security and career growth, fair compensation and a reasonable level of work-life balance. In the Randstad 2008 World of Work survey, employees across generation identified the attributes that they value.
Interestingly, regardless of their generation, employees said they want to work for a company whose leader respect employees and recognize the value each brings to the organization, care about their employees as much as their customers, value employees’ honest input on business issues, encourage employees to continually develop their skills and create a collaborative work environment.
By Fauzia Kerai Khan. The writer is Chief Consultant, i&b Consulting, Training, e-Learning.