8 Characteristics of Generation Y in the Workplace
Generation Y, also known as millennials or the Millennial Generation, often have certain skills and behaviors that make them unique and valuable employees. Knowing the strengths of this tech-savvy and ambitious generation can help you form successful office collaborations.
In this article, we explore eight common characteristics of Generation Y in the workplace.
What is Generation Y?
Generation Y is a demographic that is characterized by people who were born between 1981 to 1996. A few people born outside of the generational range might have millennial characteristics of the millennial generation, even though they may technically be Generation X or Generation Z.
Generations defined
It may be helpful to know where one generation ends and the next begins. Below is a breakdown of each generation's timeline with common traits.
Silent Generation/Traditionalists
Born before 1946
Seek comfort and financial security, traditional, loyal
Baby Boomers
Born 1946-1964
Strong work ethic, disciplined, focused
Generation X
Born 1965-1980
Entrepreneurial, value work-life balance, independent
Generation Y/Millennials
Born 1981-1996
Value work-life balance, confident, tech-savvy
Generation Z
Born 1997-2015
Independent, entrepreneurial, competitive
Common characteristics of Generation Y
While each individual has a unique personality, many people within the same generation share common characteristics. Here are some of the traits you could expect from millennials as recognized by FamilySearch.org.
1. Gen Y is tech-savvy
Generation Y is the first generation to grow up with the internet, cell phones and digital communication. “Digital natives'' is a term often used to describe people who grew up tech-savvy. These professionals are comfortable learning and using the latest software releases in the workplace. They may find it easier to learn new software, such as shared chat platforms.
2. Gen Y values flexibility
Many millennials prefer a flexible work schedule and workplace. Since many millennials hold computer-based jobs, they may seek positions that are at least partly remote and allow them to work outside of a traditional 9-to-5 schedule.
3. Gen Y seeks work-life balance
Gen Ys usually seek positions in which they can have a solid work-life balance. They prefer jobs that allow them to spend more time with their family and/or pursue personal goals. In some cases, they may prefer a job with more flexible hours over one that offers higher pay.
4. Gen Y is results-oriented
Another reason why millennials value flexibility is that they are results-oriented. They would rather tell you what they accomplished instead of telling you how long they worked. If they can complete a project faster than the allotted amount of time, they can achieve more. The ability to list more achievements can make them feel accomplished in the workplace.
5. Gen Y seeks rewards and praise
Millennials grew up in a world of digital communication and social media, which could make them more dependent on praise than other generations. Sometimes, receiving praise during a team meeting from a manager can help a Gen Y employee stay motivated and productive. Attention and praise let a millennial know when they’ve exceeded expectations.
6. Gen Y are innovators
Many Gen Ys are innovative and look for new ways to be more efficient. They often ask questions about a rule or established process so they can better understand ways to make improvements. The ability to apply their knowledge of new software and technology to automate and improve processes is an invaluable asset in any office.
7. Gen Y enjoys collaboration
Instead of working individually and focusing on a specific set of tasks, members of Generation Y often try to find ways to work together to complete projects. Gen Ys won’t hesitate to step outside their departments to find solutions, whether that means consulting with someone in IT for better software or checking profitability charts with someone from accounting. This also helps foster a results-oriented workplace with everyone working toward a shared goal.
8. Gen Y is ambitious
Generation Y challenges how things are done so they can reach their goals. This is an ambitious generation that wants to do something new or break a record that was previously out of reach. They’re not afraid to work hard to overcome challenges and obstacles.
Members of Generation Y try to follow the “work smarter, not harder” motto. They would rather develop a strategic solution to a problem that saves time, money and effort so they can apply that savings to other problems.