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Generational Engagement . . . Gen Y will do more than just get by
By Karen
Schmidt
Now that I've
joined the social networking movement via Twitter, I am discovering
articles and blog postings about the possible effects of the GFC
(global financial crisis) on Gen Y.
Most of what
I am reading suggests that these young upstarts will be pulled into
line by the tough economic times and that their "unacceptable"
behavior will become a thing of the past.
Firstly, let
me say that I don't agree that most Gen Y's behave in an
unacceptable manner. The only way I use the word "unacceptable" in a
sentence to describe them is that they are not prepared to put up
with unacceptable workplace conditions! The people who are (not so
secretly) hoping that Gen Y will be forced to "pull their head in"
and "take what they can get" are Builders and Baby Boomers. I
believe the reason for their comments is that they are trying to
apply workplace norms from when they started working, to the
conditions that are around today, and it is just not possible to do
that.
Times have
changed and employees are no longer prepared to put up with
substandard management practices and boring jobs. This attitude does
not change with the prevailing conditions . . . it is hardwired.
I notice that
a lot of the time, Generation X people are standing by, watching
this conversation with interest; often nodding their heads in
agreement with their Gen Y colleagues. We had the same ideas as they
when we started out and we are now starting to see the groundwork
that we established actually reaping some results.
Here is one
explanation I have heard to describe the current marketplace. If up
until now Gen Y had 5 or 6 career options from which to choose. In
the current economic climate they are down to 2 or 3 but they still
have options. This is unlike the last recession when the options
were be employed or be unemployed!
The reason
Gen Y have so many options is that they are far more willing to
change and adapt. Gen Y people have always been told they will have
multiple careers in their working life. Changing careers is the norm
for them, not the exception.
Back in the
Builder and Baby Boomer heyday, changing careers was not encouraged
and often viewed by potential employers as a sign of being
unreliable. I am reminded that somewhere in my career (perhaps
around the mid 1990's) staying long-term in a position went from
being seen as a positive attribute you would highlight on your
resume to being a negative that you would try to disguise.
So, the rules
of the game have changed and that is just fine for Gen Y. Their
career path may look nothing like their parents or grandparents but
that's OK by them. I think instead of hoping they will "step into
line" with the old ideas of work, that older people can sit back and
watch with interest as Gen Y forge a new career path. So don't panic
if you are the parent or manager of a Gen Y. They are going to do
more than just get by. They are going to do just fine.
About the
author: Karen Schmidt, of Let's Grow, is the re-engagement expert
who is on a mission to refresh, reignite and re-engage teams for
success. Her contact email address is
enquiries@letsgrow.com.au
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