1. Generation Y Characteristics Confident Participation Convergence
credibility
uncertainty
“pursue happiness”
international
mac vs pc
american
wikipedia
famous
adolescence
reality TV
“express yourself”
international
basketball
single
sports
iTunes
american idol
Online
facebook
iraq war
relationships
two incomes
Associative
global
Wireless
Mentoring
feedback
dating
automation
cell phones
continuous partial attention
high school
Leadership
dream job
Mobile
Confident
piercings
opportunity
simplicity
value systems
technology
Facilitation
Social Movements
feedback
Participation
Individuality
team orientated
“you can do anything”
Blogs
impacting
Generation Y
problem solvers
911
determination
“stand up for yourself”
terrorism
helicopter parents
iPod
passion
college
online
Convergence
Characteristics
government
“respect yourself”
Video
interactive
lifestyle
competition
environment
micromanagement
Collaboration
Mobility
internet
Opportunity
family
easily bored
equality
safety
Open
RSS
Direct
web 2.0
karate
Google
Adaptable
seeks mentors
personal planner
Data Driven
connected
job environment
Diverse
myspace
“just be yourself”
Productive
instant
guitar hero
be respectful
praised
bureaucracy
soccer camp
Instantaneous
expectations
democracy
conform

2. This presentation has been developed for the benefit of those who desire to better understand common characteristics of Generation Y and who are interested in positively facilitating their transition into an intergenerational workforce. The presentation identifies common characteristics of the generation, as a starting point, in order to understand the motivations of employees and for the benefit of developing strategic and tactical approaches to disconnects between generational values and business needs. The presentation makes use of generalities and may not represent everyone.
We invite anyone with edits, updates or inputs to this presentation to post them as comments at The content of this presentation will be continually updated in an attempt to be as inclusive and representative as possible.

3. There are over 70 million people in the US belonging to Generation Y.

4. Births (in thousands) Birth Year Baby Boomers Gen X Gen Y
Birth rate v. birth number - double check what the definition is.
Birth Year

5. 25%
Generation Y is currently ~ of the US workforce, and is projected to be ~47% of the US workforce by 2014.

6. Internet 9-11 The Iraq War Gen Y Formative Events Technology Gaming
Google
youTube
Daily Show
SpaceShipOne
iTunes
eBay
CD’s
The 2000 Election Crisis
Columbia Accident
Internet
Southpark
Columbine
Starbucks
Gen Y Formative Events
Amazon.com
9-11
mac vs. pc
Gaming
Terrorism
Simpsons
abu ghraib
Reality TV
Technology
Challenger Accident
Blogging
The Iraq War
Online Shopping
Franchises
Cable
Napster
MTV
Celebrity Scandals
Oprah
Global Warming

7. These and many other formative events shaped their view of the world.

8. Many describe this generation as:

9. a generation that is individualistic
Generation Y is more individualistic than earlier generations and seeks autonomy in their opinions and behavior.

10. a generation that is team-oriented
Many in Generation Y enjoy working in groups where they can share their ideas and talents.

11. a generation that is confident
Generation Y was raised with advice such as “anything is possible”, to “follow your dreams”, to “be what you want to be”, to “pursue happiness,” and to “just be yourselves.”

12. a generation that is ambitious
… and ambitions grow stronger for those that attend college. Technical excellence is a starting point and is inherently assumed.

13. a generation that is expecting
Expectations arise from absorbing the culture and environment around them. Many have high expectations for salary, job flexibility, lifestyle, technology, and the future.

14. a generation that is “famous”
More opportunities for ordinary people to find and audience on the internet or on reality TV shows. Generation Y tends to be very comfortable with social interactions.

15. a generation that is open
Generation Y is more willing to share feelings and personal information. Opportunity linked to willingness to share online.

16. a generation that is direct
Generation Y will give and expect honest feedback.

17. a generation that is empowered
Generation Y was encouraged to pursue happiness, follow their dreams, and embrace individuality. They have a strong sense of responsibility.

18. a generation that is wired & wireless
Generation Y enjoys the convenience of communicating electronically and wirelessly. Yet, many are equally concerned about privacy.

19. a generation that is global
Generation Y grew up in and interacts with a world that is connected, accessible, interactive and open.

20. a generation that is mobile
Work at the office, the coffee shop, the hotel lobby, or the airport. Always on the move.

21. a generation that is independent
For many, childhood filled with instability, unpredictability, and uncertainty. Many do not have an expectation for lifetime employment.

22. a generation that is information rich
Many get bored or frustrated if the information flow is poor or too slow. Continuous partial attention and multi-tasking may be a result.

23. a generation that is associative
Many are attracted to large social movements and are civic or mission minded. Many value associations and relationships in making decisions.

24. a generation that is instantaneous
Generation Y is used to giving and receiving information immediately. Anything is just a Google search away.

25. a generation that is always “on”
Their networks and conversations don’t “end.” Many are comfortable blurring the lines between work and life.

26. a generation that is impatient
Many raised in an environment and conditioned for “instant gratification.” Sometimes unrealistically so.

27. a generation that is adaptable
Generation Y is quick to cope with complexity and can adjust accordingly.

28. a generation that is diverse
Generation Y is a diverse group in many ways including race, religion, and lifestyle.

29. here a generation that is
…and is already having a large impact on the workforce!

30. This generation has a lot to offer the workforce. It is…

31. a generation that can
absorb discontinuous information and make meaning of it.

32. a generation that can
leverage their optimism for a better future.

33. a generation that can
use tools and create technology to change the world in new ways.

34. a generation that can
cope with extreme complexity.

35. a generation that can
provide energy and insight into process and system improvements.

36. a generation that can
be extremely productive and supportive, if engaged.

37. a generation that can
negotiate diverse or international situations well.

38. a generation that can
innovate and communicate in new and distinctive ways.

39. “Failure” for many in Generation Y is:
Not pursuing an opportunity; not trying
Not effectively managing school, work, and life balance
Not being true to oneself; compromising integrity
Not succeeding; not being challenged
Being “normal”

40. Expectations for the work environment:
Being valued and engaged
Appreciate open communication and feedback
Value diversity and globalization
Flexible, informal, decentralized work environments
Like team atmospheres
Measured on results, not time spent on the job
Follow leaders based on credibility
Not necessarily afraid of losing their job
Like to learn by hands-on opportunities
Openly talk about career paths and options
Desire the workplace to be fun

41. Thoughts for Generation Y:
Understand and respect other perspectives
Seek out mentors
Use technology to make the job easier
Set goals. Take risks.
Ask to be involved
Strive to understand the system
Be willing to compromise
Share your success and enable others
Volunteer, Invest, Network
Smile
If all else fails, wear a suit

42. Thoughts for Employers:
Understand and respect other perspectives
Offer to be a mentor
Create custom career paths
Remember how the previous generation misunderstood you
Allow for a collaborative, participatory environment
Provide an opportunity to learn by doing
Develop interactive training
Encourage skill development
Allow for flexible, personalized work environments
Involve others in the “big picture”

43. General Content: Based on the “Generation Y Perspectives” Presentation, 2007; as well as numerous interviews, books, articles, blogs, and websites. Some content adopted from “Generation Me” by Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D, 2006.
Cover art inspired from:
Advice: Gathered through various research, discussions, and observations
Additional Reading:
Original presentation given at the International Space Development Conference, May 29 - June
Last updated: 09 June 2008