Living to Work or Working to Live?

Generation Y are better consumers than they are employees, according to a recent study quoted by Tire Review. Wards Auto World found that this group of employees go through jobs at an astounding rate and that they have an unusual value system.

According to the study, some 54 per cent of 20-24 year-old workers change jobs within a year, while 78 per cent of those aged between 16 and 19 leave within 12 months. Some prospective employees even came in asking for a pay advance! One employment consultant told the publication that these turnover rates are the highest ever.

“Gen Y lives in that random and chaotic digital world,” the consultant said in the article. “If they make a mistake or don’t like something, it’s a simple matter of hitting the control, alt, delete buttons. They carry that same mentality into their jobs,” the consultant said.

The report advises that managers have to devise ways of reaching these workers. He suggests finding out what excites and motivates them. “It doesn’t mean paying them more, nor does it mean the standard wage/hour model is the best way to compensate them,” he said. Rather, they are smart, have lots of ideas to offer, and enjoy a team environment. The manager must channel that knowledge and enthusiasm so they feel part of the company, not just another brick in the wall.