The way Generation Y will change the workplace
Generation Y have grown up with computers, internet and other technologies. They want freedom to pursue different activities, hobbies and family obligations. For the Gen Y, it is not about working less but more about working on their schedule.
The Millennials (loosely defined as those born after 1982 and before 2004) currently represent roughly 25% of the workforce, by the end of the decade, they will represent over 50%. In stark contrast, Baby Boomers (who currently represent roughly 50% of the workforce) will represent only 23%come 2020. With this massive generational shift, the workplace is set to change drastically within a few next years.
Millennials are digital natives!
Millennials are the first generation to have access to digital technology their whole lives and Technology is strongly impacting the workplace.
Technology has helped accelerate transparency because it cuts through levels of bureaucracy. Soliciting input from the entire organization is easy because there’s a way to contact anyone, anytime and anywhere. No more running it up the chain of command.
Millennials: Succeed or fail, we’re all in it together.
Millennials are used to collaboration and getting input from all parties. They grew up in a culture where they had a say in everything from dinner to the family’s vacation destination. They always want to work with a purpose. Previous generations have dutifully followed the traditional top-down corporate structure. But Gen Y is demanding something different. Unlike the Boomers who were raised to believe in the power of hard work and determination, Millennials were raised to follow their dreams and do what they love. While neither school of thought is right or wrong, Gen Y’s idealistic outlook is reflected in their workplace needs. They are more inclined to inspire people, whereas Gen X and Baby Boomers are more inclined to persuade.
Millennials ooze inventiveness!
Trying different methods of accomplishing tasks come naturally to a millennial.
They are more conceptual than practical. They’re risk-takers who are not worried about making mistakes or failing — that’s not on their radar. This generation was raised being told everything they did was wonderful and everyone contributes to the cause. There were no all-stars on their youth sports team, and everyone received a certificate for participation.
Millennials aren’t afraid of futuristic concepts. Baby Boomers and Gen X may see that as an impractical waste of time, because they prefer to deal with what is, rather than what might be. But being free to play the “what if” game can be a catalyst for great creativity and may produce something very valuable.
Millennials — aka Generation Y — are changing the rule book!
A recent survey by Knoll found that Gen Y workers value a non-traditional workplace, a collaborative work environment, integration of work and personal life, and freedom to decide when and how to do their work. Additionally, a full 70% of Gen Y workers say they need “me time” at work, versus just 39% of Boomers.
You may have noticed some companies are adopting a flat organizational structure. This means fewer titled roles and a more democratic approach. The corporate ladder sometimes giving way to a corporate “lattice.” In small organizations, this is easier to do. Larger companies, or those with a traditional bent, will have a harder time flattening — or “delayering” — their company. Because flattening means fewer management positions, leadership will emerge in other forms. Millennials often believe you don’t need a title to be a leader — it can come from heading a project or campaign, or even taking an active role on your team.
In their minds, anyone can be a leader if they have the desire.
The millennial workforce is already here, and it’s here to stay. They are digital natives, not scared to change jobs and they want to work with a purpose. Along with other reasons, Gen Y will change the workplace for the better.
