Generation Y - changing the face and pace of work

Times they say are 'a changing' and this is clearly demonstrated by the expectation and aspirations of young people entering the world of work.

The video below is an excellent intro to some of the challenges facing us. But how do we really show managers and decision makers of today, the realities of the challenges and expectations of the future workforce?

I have thought long about this and come up with the following as a way of demonstrating the sheer changes facing our business future:

Have a room - a big room 36m3 (or bigger) and in that room have 6 42in screens - one showing each of the following:

1. MTV - loud volume


2. CNN


3. BBC news


4. Reality TV show


5. back to back cartoons (Road Runner, Tom and Jerry, etc)

The sixth is connected to 3 PC's positioned at a desk - the screen is showing all 3 pc's at the same time. Then put a manager in the room and give them a task... on one of the pc's is a continuous stream of instant messaging requests....

and that ignores the mobile phone... and other people in the room...

This is what it is like for the average teen - and they cope with the amount of data - AND they study (ok work to us) with increasingly improved grades. They work hard - I know I watch my teenagers. The work rate is relentless.

This is their reality, they have to do huge amounts of work in very little time slots, their attention span has been (self) educated out.. we need to recognise this and work with it if we are to start to engage. they collaborate like no other group before. Corporate competition is at risk with the newer generations - they have learnt to swap ideas and work for the benefit of each other - it is an exchange world. This opens up fantastic possibilities for those willing to take the step - equally it is a massive risk for those that don't

If we think the 20 somethings are a challenging part of 'generation Y' we have not seen anything yet - those just 5 years behind undertake almost 50% more activity.

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Mike Morrison is director of RapidBI, an organizational effectiveness consultancy. He has been involved in HR, OD and strategic development for over 20 years. He can be contacted via www.rapidbi.com/

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