Generation Y: A Generation Misunderstood

A Generation Misunderstood

Generation Y has to be the most misunderstood generation in recent history, at least within the last four generations. Not just from an affinity toward technology, but the manner in which they work and the means in which they communicate.

The greatest of these misunderstandings is the perception of work ethic. Previous generations feel Millennials are lazy and spend too much time away from the “office” or conversing via social networks. However, I challenge Generation X’ers or even Baby Boomers to produce the same output of a Millennial.

Millennials have proven to be more adept to multitasking than previous generations and have the technical aptitude to be more productive in less time than previous generations. Furthermore, unlike Generation X’ers where work/money/status is the paramount goal, Millennials value time more than anything. More importantly, they value the free time they do have to tasks of personal fulfillment. When they work, they work. When they play, they play. Most times, both are attained simultaneously with no adverse effect on productivity.

What baffles Generation X’ers is Millennials wish to be measured by performance and output and not by office hours and the constraints of the corporate status quo. Recent advancements in technology have paved the way for workers to now work remotely from any location in the world. Whether it is a coffee shop or the comfort of ones own home, traditional office hours are now only a requirement of the stiff Generation X’ers and Baby Boomers in a feeble attempt to control the incontrollable.

As Generation X’ers get older and work their way to higher positions within an organization as a result from the Baby Boomers retiring, more and more Millennials will be entering the workforce. This will force Generation X’ers to accept Millennial work practices and work/life balance outlook on life.

Depending on the organization, the organizational hierarchy, and job function, not all positions have the ability to work as they wish, especially in traditional brick and mortar businesses. However, a vast amount of work can be produced away from the office. Like the number of hours one needs for sleep varies from person to person, so do the hours one is most productive. For instance, I work best and produce the most between 5AM to 1PM and from 8PM to 3AM. So then why do department heads insist on forcing one to meet the traditional 9 to 5 structure?

The revolution is coming and Generation X’ers have but two options; embrace the change and encourage new perspectives, or fight an uphill, unwinnable battle.

Choose wisely.

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