It is evident that each generation differs. For a great deal this is caused by changes in society and by technological development. A different element that has a major effect on the characteristics of a generation is upbringing and education. The bigger these elements change during a particular timeframe, the bigger the differences become between generations. However, these dissimilarities can have a major influence on society as well.
Currently, the differences between Generation Y and the older generations (Generation X and the Baby Boomers) are especially notable in corporate culture. Even more important, the differences that are felt are perceived as a negative development.
It is quite important for companies to make sure these negative spirits change into something positive. However, even though everyone feels that these differences between Generation Y and their predecessors are there, it is not always clear what these differences exactly are.
In this blog post two different stories are told. One story is from someone just entering the workplace and is part of Generation Y. Someone from Generation X tells the other story.
Name: Generation Y
Question: How do you see your working life?
My working life…. I actually don’t see it as a ‘working’ life. I see it more as ‘life’. Work is a part of it, but I rather not see it as work. I want to be happy with the life that I live. I want to be joyful, do fun things and have a good social life. This means that I want to have a great time at work too. The work that I do must give me energy. I want to work when and how I want to. This is the way I have been brought up and educated… This has become a part of me. If I can finish something in 6 hours, why should I spend 8 hours at the office?
Furthermore, I find it important that I have influence on the work that I do. There are a lot of rules that don’t work for me. I really don’t mind following rules, but just the ones that I find useful and have added value. A good example of a rule that really bothers me is that you can only get promotion after 2 or 3 years working for that company. I don’t believe in this approach. I find that this should be based on talent, not on how long you are willing to sacrifice your life for your work, or how your relationship is with your boss. And I expect my employer to think the same.
Finally, it is essential that my boss treats me as an equal. It could be that he has more expertise in a particular field of work, but that does not mean that he is a person that deserves more respect than me. Also, I seek a good relationship with my colleagues and my superior. Like I said before, I want to enjoy the time I spent at work, and friendships are an essential element. And no, I do not mean ‘work friends’, but I mean real friends. Friends I can be honest to, share my feelings with and with whom I can meet outside the office.
Name: Older generation
Question: How do you see your working life?
I find work important. I need it to support my family, and it provides me the possibility to live the life that I want. It is important for me to have a ‘working life’ and a ‘personal life’. I need to set up explicit boundaries for my working life, such as the number of hours I spent at work, or in the relationship with my colleagues. I need these boundaries to be able to enjoy my private life. My working life should not interfere. That’s why I never meet up with my colleagues outside the office.
I respect the company and my manager for the opportunity that they have given me. I also respect, and accept, the rules that are present. I like and need that structure and I think it is essential for running such a large organization. I also respect my boss, of course. He worked long and hard to be in his current position. I hope that if I work long and hard enough I might be able to reach such a position as well.
I really do not need personal talks on how I am feeling today or what my hobbies are, and I expect that my boss would not waste his time on this overrated nonsense. When I am at my work, I want to work, and not be confronted with everyone’s problems and miseries.
These fictitious stories give an indication of the differences and conflicts that can occur between Generation Y and the older generations. This is especially the case within a company, where the dependencies between the generations are quite big. By making clear what the different wishes and perceptions are within your company, it is possible to grow from analysis to solution.
Itamar.