Is Gen Y overhyped?

I think the Personnel Today focus on Gen Y this week was way over the top and almost smacks of ageism and potentially alienates Gen Y'ers from the rest of the work place. Of course each generation has different needs but let's be honest, when you are young money and fun come first (for most anyway). Anyone see The Family last night? All Emily wants to do is have fun but Dad's having none of that!

I think there is too much hype over Gen Y but at the same time they are critical to the future as the Baby Boomers move out of the workplace. So what should employers be doing to work with all the generations but specifically Gen Y.

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Permalink Reply by Andy Headworth on September 18, 2008 at 6:46pm: Jenni,

As a 'gen Y activist' I was pleased to see on the front page of Personnel Today, that they had chosen that subject. That was until I started reading it!!
I was disappointed with a) the tiny sample that they had used for the survey (especially as they made such a big deal over it!), and b) what about the reverse integration of gen Y'ers into the workplace? They were so focused on all the 'typical' characteristcs, little was mentioned about how boomers and X'ers are having to change some of their ways to allow the integration of the Y'ers. They are not only having to learn new management skills, but they are having to change the way they are thinking and the way they approach certain tasks.

Look I am very pro- gen y'ers, especially as I have two daughters smack in the middle of the generation, and the more that magazines like this spread the word the better.

But with so many HR people up at Harrogate this week for the CIPD, I just wonder if it will be read as intently as it would normally. After all when they get back they will be playing catch up won't they? Me a sceptic......surely not!!; ▶ Reply to This