Ten differences between Generation X and Generation Y employees

Recruitment is an ever changing landscape, and with demographics continually changing it makes for some interesting recruiting strategies going forward. The early Baby Boomers (defined as being born between 1946 to 1964, and aged between 43-61) are now starting to retire, and as recruiters we are now having to put more of a focus on Generation X-ers (defined as being born between 1965 to 1979, and aged between 28-42) and Generation Y-ers (defined as being born between 1980 and 1984, and aged between 13-27).

But to recruit and retain people from these two generations, then we surely need to understand what makes them tick in a working environment. Krista Third of Tamm Communications has noted ten different workplace differences between the X and Y generations that we should all take note of:

1. Preferred style of leadership

• X - only competent leaders will do
• Y - collaboration with management is expected

2. Value of Experience

• X - don't tell me where you have been, show me what you know
• Y - experience is irrelevant, as the world is changing so fast

3. Autonomy

• X - give them direction, and then leave them to it
• Y - questions, questions, questions

4. Feedback

• X - expect regular feedback
• Y - need constant and immediate feedback

5. Rewards

• X - freedom is the ultimate reward
• Y - money talks

6. Training

• X - want to continually learn, if they don't they will leave
• Y - still in an exam driven mentality

7. Work Hours

• X - do their work and go home
• Y - will work as long as needed ...or until they get bored

8. Work Life Balance

• X - they want to enjoy life to the full, while they are young enough to do so
• Y - their lives are busy - they need alot of 'me' time

9. Loyalty

• X - they are committed as everyone else working there
• Y - already working out their exit strategy

10. Meaning of Money

• X - it gives freedom and independence
• Y - just something that allows them to maintain their lifestyle

Comments

[Idealpeople]

Great post. Thanks for sharing. On the same theme, you might be interested in hearing more about Bridget - http://idealpeopleblog.com/blog1/2007/12/07/candidate-20-is-your-employer-brand-futureproof/

[Wayne Turk, Management Consultant]

I would add the Baby Boomers to her comparison. They (we) are still out there. My additions follow. Others might not agree with my inputs, but here they are:

1. Preferred style of leadership
· BB – willing to accept different styles
· X - only competent leaders will do
· Y - collaboration with management is expected
2. Value of Experience
· BB – experience is a good teacher
· X - don't tell me where you have been, show me what you know
· Y - experience is irrelevant, as the world is changing so fast
3. Autonomy
· BB – not critical, but most prefer some
· X - give them direction, and then leave them to it
· Y - questions, questions, questions
4. Feedback
· BB – feedback helps
· X - expect regular feedback
· Y - need constant and immediate feedback
5. Rewards
· BB - recognition
· X - freedom is the ultimate reward
· Y - money talks
6. Training
· BB – can take it or leave it; some feel they are past that stage
· X - want to continually learn, if they don't they will leave
· Y - still in an exam driven mentality
7. Work Hours
· BB – work until the job is done if we have to
· X - do their work and go home
· Y - will work as long as needed ...or until they get bored
8. Work Life Balance
· BB – too often ignored
· X - they want to enjoy life to the full, while they are young enough to do so
· Y - their lives are busy - they need a lot of 'me' time
9. Loyalty
· BB – many still believe in “hired for life”
· X - they are committed as everyone else working there
· Y - already working out their exit strategy
10. Meaning of Money
· BB – a way to measure success
· X - it gives freedom and independence
· Y - just something that allows them to maintain their lifestyle

[Andy Headworth]

Wayne,

Thanks for your input on the baby boomers, it is a good perspective. I think people write BB's off at their peril, as they still have a lot to offer companies!

Andy

[Recruiting Animal]

I dare you to explain the meaning of half of these comparisons. They're either too short to understand or without any meaning altogether. Yeah they want feedback but me time vs live life to the fullest; what does that mean? Money means freedom vs maintaining lifestyle? Does that mean Gen X wants to get away from work whereas Y doesn't think in those terms? And so on.

[The Blunter Headhunter]

Interesting list - but does it actually work? I am going to quiz the youngsters and find out, but I'm not entirely sure I am 100% convinced.

[Someone]

Although I am a Gen Y, I was raised by older parents, and in some ways feel closer to Gen X in mentality in many ways.I personally belive in loyalty, I don't care about telecommuting, and would rather be given a task and after that leave me to solve it. That being said, I have noticed you are right about many of my peers, one thing you did not write that I have personally noticed, is that many of them act like finicail security and savings is a sort of no-worry concept. Take my comment with a grain of salt, I have never been a boss so I do not have as complete a picture as those who have been.I also would much rather have prestige in my feild, and I do belive when you start a job, it should be finished, as a matter of pride if nothing else. Again amongst my peers they have commented many times on such "antiquated" belifs, there is a sort of value they put on self concern, and a lacking of traditnol work ethic. In my opinion the immediate gratifaction concept is a direct consquence of the internet, where ten seconds is a long time. Sorry if I ranted a bit.

[Laurie King]

I am an HR professional and found this while searching for info on this topic. I found this helpful, thank you!

On a personal note, my maiden name was Headworth. Great Grandfather was Edward and Grandfather was Charles. I am from Michigan, USA.

[Andy Headworth]

Laurie,

Thanks for the feedback, it has proved to be one of my most read posts!!

Small world re The Headworths!! We have tracked the Headworth line to the 1700's, and there is a good smattering across the US and Canada now.
Great to hear from you.