50MINUTES - Generation Y in Business: Tips for building strong relationships between generations

Currently, several generations work together in organisations: baby-boomers (born 1945-1960), Generation X (born 1960-1980) and those that followed, logically named Generation Y or the Digital Natives (born 1980-2000). Generation Z is also slowly beginning to appear in working life. Making these four generations work together is a real challenge that organisations must be able to resolve.

We can start by better understanding Generation Y. Learning to decode them in order to get to know them better, without reading too much into their habits or attitudes, is the winning strategy.

On a tram, a young girl checks her emails on her tablet while listening to music. As simple as it may be, this image of a contemporary young person says a lot. Indeed, this generation symbolises a new approach to ICT (information and communication technologies) with a more playful use of this culture, increasingly likened to fun. The variety of media supports and interconnectivity of devices have further accentuated this trend: mobile phones take photographs and receive emails, and computers download music and images immediately. This technical evolution has amplified the demand for everything, right now, characterised by the culture of zapping (which refers to a zapper, or television remote control that allows you to change the television channel from a distance). Furthermore, the term surfer on the internet reveals the superficiality of intent and the immediacy of desire.

Generation Y is the generation that has taken ownership of mobile objects that enable them to work by being permanently connected, thus giving rise to a new approach to time. Work, entertainment, family life and daily tasks are more interlinked than ever before. The preceding generations were not, however, strangers to the changes that have arisen over the years. While many employees from the previous generation have managed to adapt to ICT in their companies, many others have fallen significantly behind in mastering these new electronic processes. The intergenerational divide is a reality that generates frustration and misunderstanding: it is at the root of many conflicts and dysfunctions within teams in companies. This gap appeared without warning through the replacement of middle managers who, in their daily lives, are used to the tools that are increasingly used at work (smartphones or tablets that have the same kind of language as computers).

Beyond their affinity for computing, Generation Y has a different relationship with work and organisation:

• Questioning of authority. As well as the consequences of the current technological revolution on behaviour, those born after the social upheaval of the 1960s have a different relationship with authority and work than previous generations. Human relationships within the organisation have evolved, although this is still mainly organised hierarchically. Generation Y brings together the children of those who have learnt to question the authority of adults and the hierarchy. As a consequence, some behaviours, such as external signs of respect (politeness), have seen a shift, although they have fortunately not disappeared completely.
• Work-life balance. For this generation, work does not hold the same place that it did for their parents. Family life, friendships and leisure are as fundamental for them as their job. Personal life sometimes even comes before working life. Many young people take a break in their career or a gap year, when their working life is only just beginning. In their search for coherence and meaning, they do not see work as an end in itself, but rather as one instrument among many to thrive.
• The importance of the working environment. The atmosphere, the building, smoking areas and even the enjoyment of their commute have become priorities for this generation.
• A less unionised and politicised generation. Although this generation is not disinterested in work nor its political environment, it sometimes gives this impression to older generations. Members of Generation Y do not feel very concerned and also have little representation at this level.