Born between about 1980 and 2000 the next generation (Millennials, Generation Y) out-number the baby-boomer generation. Now in the early stages of their careers, they will make up almost 75% of the world’s workforce by 2025.1
Growing up over decades of significant social, economic and technological change, this generation thinks, communicates, and works differently. Technology and social media are central to their lives; they choose meaningful careers and greater work-life balance over high pay; they embrace and welcome change; they are ethnically diverse and they want to make a difference. More demographic information »
Because of these different values, needs and expectations, the next generation is expected to have a significant social impact on the business world and to redefine volunteerism and civic engagement. Therefore, fully tapping into and engaging the passion of young people has become a critical aspect of an organization’s overall competitiveness and relevance.
By cultivating meaningful cross-generational interaction and creating more flexible working environments, organizations can merge with the ideas and energy of the next generation – combining the experience of previous generations with the vision of tomorrow’s leaders.
How your organization can tap in »
Sources:
- Gen Y Women in the Workplace: Focus Group Summary Report. Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Foundation, 2011. ↩