Generation Y: A Game-Changer?

Today, the youngest adults are called Generation Y and, while sociologists don’t agree on the exact age parameters for this generation, partly because there appears to be a difference country-by-country, they generally fall somewhere between 20 to 35 years of age (in 2011). There are, however, some characteristics that the entire cohort known as Generation Y have in common.

The determining factors for Generation Y, also known as Millennials, have been the expansion of personal computers together with the web/Internet launch in the 90s. Most of this generation's members came in touch with the digital technologies when they were in their teens or even earlier. A significant number of them read their first words not on paper, but on a screen and, as a result, they are frequently referred to as "digital natives."

In the Czech Republic, as well as in the neighboring countries, the IT revolution is also connected with the social revolution. Generation Y is the first of all generations that has grown up under fully democratic conditions. Because of this, their upbringing was more open and liberal than that of previous generations. And, as a result, this generation does not have strong feelings for the former political regimes. They may be free of the burdens of the past in many ways, but they are aware of the lessons of the past, which allows them to be vigilant with regard to the potential mistakes of the current political climate.

This Generation doesn't have as many job opportunities and possibilities as the members of the previous Generation X did - they have matured generally in the time of the regime's change. Open entrepreneurship, the entry of foreign companies into the Czech market, and many other transformations caused Generation X to be the generation of careerists and workaholics. It's no wonder that their children want to be different.

The Millennials are less focused on themselves, their own growth or their careers. On the other hand, they are interested in people around them--they are more sociable and more communicative. Not surprisingly, Generation Y is labeled the "Facebook Generation"--the generation that invented this social network and helped to spread it, is also the one that uses it the most. For example, in the Czech Republic approximately two thirds of active Facebook users fall into the age group of 20 – 35.

Have you noticed the "most liked" Facebook articles – this is a term used to describe the TOP 40 articles--the ones that received the most votes, or "Likes"? As you would expect, there are important news items, as well as curiosities among them, but the most surprising fact is that 13 out of 40 articles (approx. one third!) are focused on parenting and upbringing.

To me, this speaks volumes about the Facebook Generation–-they are much more family-centric and focused on interpersonal relationships and life balance.

Sounds like good news for them. Because of this individual and collective interest, they are likely to experience more harmonic and balanced lives than their predecessors in Generation X have as a result of the hectic, stressful and career-focused lives they chose to live. But, here are some questions worthy of consideration: How will this impact the employers of this generation? What changes will be required in expectations of employment from both sides? How will employers most effectively engage this generation? Will this generation redefine the work ethic on a global basis?