Not paying dues for Generation Y
In this video, Penelope Trunk talks about the "not paying dues" mentality of the new generations entering the workforce.
Penelope's points:
People want to do meaningful work - not just the new generation entering the workforce, but everybody. Don't tell Gen Y's a crappy job is a good job, just be upfront with them and make some compromises like giving them mentoring for some of the grunt work they'll have to do (what other generations consider is paying dues).
Flexibility. Don't expect them to work from 9-5. Manage by results.
Productivity. Time management is a subject they are very well versed in and many operate in a mode of productivity that other generations don't get. Penelope talks about the most read blogs by Gen Y are those about personal productivity. It's all about David Allen and his book "Getting Things Done." Just because they can listen to their Ipod and instant message at work doesn't mean they're not productive.
Do you agree? What is your company doing to make a Gen Y friendly workplace?
Date: October 27th, 2008 / Author: Lindsay
Posted in Recruiting / Tags: Gen Y, GTD, Productivity, Professional Development
2 Comments - Add yours!
Lindsay Olson (November 1st, 2008)
@JR Knowing when to shut one’s mouth and get the job done is a good skill for anyone to have! 
I find it interesting you feel coming from Gen Y you might have it generally harder than Gen X or other generations.
I see it very different. There are plenty of Gen X parents who couldn’t pick up their child’s education tab for various reasons – just as in any other generation. I’m part of Gen X and paid for my own college even with Baby Boomer parents. My parents would have probably paid for my college if I had asked. I worked through high school and always felt when I was on my own the only person I should depend on is myself.
Generally, I also agree Gen Y is very productive and willing to work very hard – but the rules have changed a bit.
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This blog is to share my recruiting experiences and discuss thoughts on the job market, PR industry and technology.
Alison Kenney is an independent PR practitioner with more than 15 years of PR consulting experience.
JR Moreau (October 27th, 2008)
I’m caution to not be defensive of my generation
I feel my generation, me included does feel that they are owed a bit. Whether we are owed, in actuality, is up for question. I, for instance, feel I may have it considerably harder than Gen X as I didn’t have generally wealthy baby boomer parents. I paid for my education entirely with student loans and now I feel I invested lots of money into school and should have some sort of benefit.
Generally speaking, I feel Gen Y is just as willing to work hard as any other generation, but our vision for how we want our non-work lives to be overrides our desire to please our employers.
My greatest tips for working with whipper snappers such as myself: be flexible, offer lots of training and open discussion about challenges and difficulties surrounding the job. Feeling included and not looked down upon because of age encourages me much more than an older manager or supervisor saying in a condescending tone, “just get it done.”
Although, when all else fails, my wants take a back seat to the fact that I need to be employed to pay my huge student loan bills. I guess I know when to shut my mouth and just work.