by Sara Peiris
A study which investigated employer satisfaction with the work performance of Gen Y employees indicated an overwhelming 70% have a negative opinion while 48% think our communication skills are less than par. In addition, 90% said we were more demanding while 79% more likely to ask a pay rise. Accordingly the general consensus about Gen Y is ‘lazy and discontented’.
Having been brought up in a world of entitlement that is not lacking for choice, Gen Y is more bold and daring than their predecessors. They are less likely to stick around for something not worth their while but their ambition to make something of themselves makes up for it in terms of motivation. The environment our forbearers used to live in has changed with the arrival of the digital landscape but for us, this is what we grew up with, what we are familiar with and what we are comfortable with to achieve change.
During the days of the previous generation, it was easier to land in the job market after obtaining a tertiary qualification. In the present economic circumstances where it is far more difficult due to high unemployment levels, Gen Y has been required to balance study while undertaking self-learning when it comes to deciding on their career path. This has given them more courage when it comes to asking for basic rights and sometimes this might come across as being demanding if not diplomatically handled. Although negatively viewed by our superiors used to more acquiescent employees, in the view of Gen Y the ability to ask for what we want is known as proving initiative.
This particular problem of being lazy and discontented does not only affect Gen Y as negative attributes do not discriminate among generational divides. Perhaps the low performance levels of other generations are not quite as obvious due to their complaisance as employees. If looked at in this way, it is a matter of Gen Y mettle vs. Gen X stability. The solution for the mislabeling is to produce a compromise between the two and implement strategies in place that would to satisfy the requirements of each.
If someone has the ability, the right attitude and the passion to undertake a contribution to societal change, the rest will follow. It is not the generation that we are from that will affect our attitude but the drive we have as individuals to succeed.
