Generation Y, Generation Why, Generation Me, We or Millennials. There are enough names given to the generation youngsters born between 1980 and 2000. Opinions differ on what the exact birth dates should be, but that doesn’t really matter. To be honest, there are numerous people born in the seventies that show more typical Gen Y characteristics than someone born in the eighties.
Each human being is unique. This also counts for the people “caught” in a generation. However, it is still possible to identify typical characteristics from the entire generation. These typical characteristics are the subject of this post. Important and, potentially, fantastic characteristics of an entire generation are currently insufficiently understood and used. There are great opportunities present for companies to increase the happiness of employees, to attract new talent and, above all, use the full potential that Generation Y possesses.
In the Word Cloud you see a combination of words that are typical for Generation Y. This generation is quite busy with finding out who they are and what they want. What they are able to do. And what they find important. This is especially caused by how they have been brought up. Their (Baby Boom) parents told them, preached even; “You can become whatever you want to.” Or the famous sentence; “As long as you really want it, everything is possible.” This did not only influence the “Me” thinking of this generation but also the passion that surrounds them. They can do anything. And they want everything. The possibilities for doing this are enormous for this generation. Technology, Internet, but also the knowledge that is present and shared makes it possible for Gen Y to become what they so desperately want. But does this automatically mean that everyone should try this? What if friends are doing what they actually want in life? And even more important, that they succeed?
The possibility to follow everyone has increased the pressure a lot. Success stories of friends that own a company, or are pilot and just bought a house in Rio, explicitly shown and depicted on Facebook, Twitter and Google +. Everyone is doing it. You are aware that everyone is doing it. The realization that everything is possible as long as you really, really want it is always in the minds of Generation Y. And it is always confronting them.
This touches another essential characteristic of Generation Y; Social Media – everyone, always and everywhere connected. This generation is brought up with Internet, MSN and email, and has evolved to Facebook, Twitter and Google +. Online communities rose from the ground like mushrooms and blogging became a day-to-day activity. This means that you are able (and maybe even expected?) to stay connected with all your friends, all the time. Social Media is currently the number one activity on the Internet. And although this new way of communication can give major benefits, it can also cause harm. No wonder that “The Quarterlife crisis”, or “The Twenty-something dilemma” has become a hot topic. Caused by the constant confrontation with success. Everyone seems to have it… why not me.
Another cause of the Quarterlife crisis is choices. From when they were fourteen they were confronted with important choices in life. Even worse, teachers described it as “the first important step in your future career”. Teenagers are being asked what they want to have as a profession, which University they want to go to, and how their grades are holding up. And with every question the importance for the future is emphasized. Making choices, making choices and making choices. All this in a teenage life, in which a lot of other things seem to be much more important. But what if they made the wrong choice? Should they choose a different University, different bachelor or master? Well, not really, costs are going up, debts are growing and who says that the new direction is suddenly the correct one.
At age 23 or 24, the choices are made. Graduated from University. They got their degrees. Some have a passion, and are ready to go. Ready to develop, to help companies with all the knowledge they have gathered in all those years. But they end up in an organization that doesn’t share that philosophy. Making PowerPoints… that will be the daily task.
These starters finally have a feeling what they want in life, and they are willing to go all out. But alas, the company is not willing to cooperate. And then the “Me” element is popping up again. “Screw them, there are many other companies willing to hire me”. Or they go travelling, start their own company or write blogs. They will follow that thing that they deserve… Passion.
And this is exactly the element missing in organizations today. Giving Generation Y, and all other generations, the possibility to follow their passion. Because if you offer them the possibility to follow their passion, to give them the freedom they need, and show as a company you actually care, only then you are able to connect with this generation. And the things they are then able to do…. are immense.
Itamar.