Generation Y

Generation Y, also known as the “Next Generation,” “Millennium Generation,” or “Digital Generation,” and most widely recognised as “Millennials,” refers to individuals born in the 1980s and 1990s. Some sources state that the upper age limit reaches 1994, others – 1997, and still others – even 2004. On the generational timeline, Gen Y is positioned between Generation X (often their older siblings) and Generation Z (often their younger siblings). In turn, the Baby Boomer generation are typically their parents.

Generation Y – definition

Generation Y – characteristics. Who are Millennials?

The youth of Millennials combined two worlds – playing outdoors and early video games. A significant part of their upbringing involved the widespread adoption of the internet, massive technological development, and social media. Today, technology is an essential part of their lives – they keep up with digital innovations, readily test the latest smartphone and computer models, enjoy spending their free time with consoles, and communicate with friends primarily online. However, most are equally adept offline – this generation understands and navigates both worlds effectively.

Millennials are usually well-educated; they grew up in a world offering far greater opportunities than, for example, Baby Boomers. Their parents often placed significant emphasis on supporting their children's passions or giving them “what they themselves didn't have” – learning languages, travelling the world, or time for hobbies. Due to broad access to information provided by the internet from an early age, and the ability to exchange experiences daily with others online, Generation Y often consists of inclusive, socially, and environmentally conscious individuals. They have a strong awareness of their needs and strive to satisfy them; they prioritise personal development and pursuing their passions, which often holds more significance for them than achieving financial independence.

Generation Y at work – what distinguishes Millennials?

Millennials in the workplace seek not only a source of income but also an opportunity for personal growth. They are eager to pursue professions that allow them to combine work with passion (e.g., game testing, programming). They dislike limitations and commitments; many Gen Y individuals are freelancers or choose contract-for-service/specific-task agreements over employment contracts, and home office work and video conferences are very popular among them.

Generation Y also prioritises work-life balance. Their personal life comfort is far more important than high earnings, which is why (unlike Baby Boomers or older Gen X members) they are reluctant to stay at work after hours.

Good employment conditions – a healthy work environment, so-called – are hugely important to Millennials. They want to be appreciated and will not tolerate any signs of bullying or exploitation. They are capable of fighting for their rights and are not afraid to change jobs if anything in the company doesn't meet their expectations – even if it means an abrupt termination of their contract. They often treat employers on friendly terms and are much more receptive to management where every person in the company is a colleague (albeit at different positions), rather than a “boss” and “subordinate.” A lack of praise and boredom at work can be a strong demotivator for them.

Representatives of Generation Y are very often attracted to modern workplaces that prioritise employees and care about their psychological comfort – including a good atmosphere. In many cases, they value this more than salary levels; therefore, if given a choice between a very high-paying job with an unpleasant, harsh boss and a lower-paying job they look forward to, they will choose the latter. Consequently, they respond positively to companies offering employee benefits, soft skills training, recreation rooms, “fruit Thursdays,” or integration events. It was Millennials who introduced the trend of bringing pets to the office or even having a company pet.

How do Millennials work?

The above characteristics lead to various outcomes. Generation Y are undoubtedly individuals who can conduct excellent, efficient research – they are proficient internet users, curious about the world, and can find answers to any question. However, they often show a lack of patience. They expect quick results from their work – if they want to climb the career ladder, they dislike doing it slowly. They then expect swift promotions or significant pay raises. At the same time, they may delay starting a new task if they haven't yet received feedback on the previous one. Generation Y largely consists of perfectionists; therefore, if one of their tasks hasn't been performed well, they may have trouble moving on to the next before correcting the previous one.

Millennials willingly and actively participate in development training and new projects – they may volunteer for any task that gives them an opportunity to demonstrate and showcase their skills. They also get involved in organisational life, so most work well in groups, though they may have a tendency to consider themselves smarter than their colleagues.