3.6 The Characteristics of Generation Y
In the following section some of the characteristics of Generation Y will be described in more detail to gain an understanding of what their approach towards the work environment is and how they work in it. It is important to remember that the below is based on the members of Generation Y who have already joined the workforce at this point and those in university. It may therefore not be a precise representation of this Generation but will demonstrate trends that have been identified. This will provide guidance for how to deal with those presently in the labour market, forming the workforce and anticipating how to interact with future Yers.
Generation X would have begun joining the workforce in the early to mid 1980’s. Upon joining they knew there was no job security having witnessed the corporate cut backs of their parents’ generation. While this is also true for Generation Y, their approach towards it is different. Generation X entered the job market with apprehension, Generation Y on the other hand take a lack of job security for granted. Throughout their life they have witnessed corporate cut backs and realise corporations seldom demonstrate loyalty towards employees