Five Truths About the Generation Y Workforce

1. Generation Y. The Millennials. The Tech/ Net/ Digital Generation. Echo Boomers. We've given this generation of people - roughly those born between the late 1970's and the late 1990's - many names, but none so hurtful as the Entitlement Generation.

This article discusses 5 perceptions of Generation Y workers, corrects or adjusts those perceptions with the reality behind each and gives advice for employers.

2.To an extent, the folks in this generation do have a sense of entitlement, but it's not an entirely inherent personality flaw but partly the fault of Baby Boomer parents who coddled their children, constantly telling them how special they were and that anything they sought was possible, and rewarding them for every little thing, providing trophies and prizes simply for participating.

The key for employers is approaching younger workers differently, providing constructive criticism that reflects confidence in them.

3.Technology has allowed this generation to multitask and find shortcuts in achieving tasks. Texting, instant messaging, social networking, and Web surfing have all made Generation Y workers more competent, efficient, and productive.

The key for employers is to accept that there may be multiple ways for workers to accomplish their tasks.

4.Generation Y is the first generation to expect - from day one - employers to realize there is more to life than work. They see work as a means to enjoy life - and life comes first. They have a strong work ethic - just not in a 9-5 sort of way. Generation Y wants work to be fun and flexible because the line between work and life is seamless.

The key for employers is offering flexible work schedules, adjusting the belief that workers need to "put in the hours at the desk" to be effective, and developing a work culture that is pleasant and positive.

5.While some people refer to this cohort of people as Generation Why for a reason, it is not so much an issue of a lack of respect for authorityas much as it is that this group has been raised by their parents to question everything and raise questions when they don't understand something. It's not that these folks have little respect for authority; on the contrary, they feel employers do not respect them.

The key for employers is realizing that asking questions can often lead to answers and solutions that are actually more efficient and effective. Unlike with any other set of workers in the past, employers must also provide more autonomy - and trust Gen Y workers to complete the work.

6.This iPod Generation (named such because iPod commercials focus on individuality while selling the product to every Gen Y) works well in groups and teams - especially with people their own age but they also have been taught the value of individuality and independent thinking. They see themselves as unique individuals - not tied to any specific labels. The key for employers is finding the right mix of individual and team projects that allow these workers to grow professionally.

7. In the end, of course, every person - every worker - is judged on his or her merits, not on generalities or misconceptions. Still, based on the research and anecdotal evidence, it may be a bumpy ride for both employers and Generation Y workers in the years ahead.

■ Scanning

Ex. 2. Choose the correct answer:

1) What are the other names for GenerationY:

a) baby boomers;

b) the millenials;

c) boomers;

d) echo boomers

2) Generation Y workers are called ‘entitled’ because:

a) they think they have to work harder than their parents;

b) they are really entitled to rewards;

c) they think they are entitled to rewards

3) Generation Y workers are thought to be lazy because: