For some, I belong to Generation Y, for others, I already belong to Generation Z. Both generations have one thing in common: they are considered extremely demanding in their working environment.
While Generation Y has experienced the development of digitalization, Generation Z has grown up in a "digitalized world." In a study, Generation Y was asked what they expect from their employer. While around 67 percent expect flexibility and 80 percent want a good work-life balance, one thing stands out: 83 percent expect sustainability from their employer. When it comes to sustainability, the focus is primarily on continuing education.
Let's take my own example: flexible working hours (flexibility) and working from home (work-life balance) play an important role in my life. Flexibility not only enables me to work more productively, but also to combine my life and career in an excellent way. The Grundl Leadership Institute – the institute for responsibility – is the perfect employer for my personal development (personal development). As you can see, I am a prime example of Generation Y and its values.
Generation Y and its values
To date, Generation Y is probably the most researched generation. Most reports describe this generation as the "laziest" and "most difficult" generation, which is taking the world of work by storm.
For my generation, work should above all be meaningful and enable self-fulfillment. We are wonderfully connected, not only offline but especially in the virtual world—which makes us not only outstanding team players but also masters of project work. Private life is no longer strictly separated from work but increasingly complements and merges with it. In our opinion, good employers should allow private matters to be dealt with during working hours. In return, however, we are willing to work in our free time if necessary.
- 67 percent of Generation Y expect flexibility from their employer. This includes working from home, flexible working hours, and sabbaticals. So my generation just longs to lead a free and self-determined life.
- 80 percent of Generation Y expect their employer to offer a work-life balance. This is primarily expressed through a collegial environment, parental leave, and company sports. For my generation, flexibility is clearly distinct from work-life balance.
- 87 percent of Generation Y expect sustainability from their employer. This includes good office connections, training opportunities, and corporate responsibility. My generation is particularly rebellious when it comes to climate change.
An interesting survey by the Zukunftinstitut shows how important these values are to Generation Y:
Survey: Which things are particularly important and desirable for you and your personal development? (Sorted by agreement)
- Independence, being able to determine one's own life
- Having fun, enjoying life
- Having a meaningful, fulfilling job
- Remaining curious and continuing to learn
- Good, well-rounded education
Interestingly, the above points receive more agreement than the points "starting a family of your own" and "having a steady partner."
What does this knowledge bring us?
Admittedly, we "digital natives" are constantly online. A life without smartphones and laptops is unthinkable for us. And this is precisely the point to start from in order to make personality development appealing to Generation Y. Our core values are flexibility, work-life balance, and sustainability. For this reason, these values should be taken into account and integrated into a good continuing education plan.
Smart minds have already given a lot of thought to how human resources managers can make the best use of digitalization. We have also given this topic a lot of thought. For us, the solution is clear: blended learning.
Blended learning refers to a form of learning that combines classroom-based teaching and e-learning in a meaningful way. The concept combines the flexibility of e-learning with the advantages of face-to-face communication.
Wikipedia
For this reason, we at the institute have decided that our online academy is a suitable addition to our face-to-face events and is part of a good transformation process. E-learning frequencies allow you to determine the time of learning (work-life balance), the pace of learning (sustainability), and the place of learning (flexibility) yourself. This means "learning anytime and anywhere." – Exactly what Generation Y values.
Let's be honest: many employers will still need time to understand Generation Y and move away from the preconceptions that they are "lazy" and "difficult." However, by 2020, my generation will already make up 50 percent of the workforce. It is therefore worth continuing to engage with Generation Y and their values.
Yours, Marcel Roll
