Generation X contains the 44 to 50 million people born
between 1965 and 1980. This generation marks the period of birth drop after the
baby boom and is significantly smaller than previous and succeeding
generations. Members of Generation X are largely in their 30’s and early 40’s.
On the whole, they are more ethnically varied and better educated than the Baby
Boomers.
While Generation Y was born in the mid80's and later,
Generation Y are legal professionals currently in their 20s, as high as 70
million of them, and are just entering the workforce. Generation Y (also known
as the Millennials) are the fastest growing part of today’s workforce. As law
firms compete for available talent, employers cannot ignore the needs, desires
and attitudes of this vast generation.
The Generating X’s are Individualistic as they came
from an age where two-income families, rising divorce rates and an uncertain
economy. Women were joining the workforce in large numbers, spawning an age of
“latch-key” children who are children who come home to an empty house because
their parents are working. As a result, Generation X is independent,
resourceful and self-sufficient. In the workplace, Generation X values freedom
and responsibility.
Whereas Generation Y are more family-centric because
of the fast-track has lost much of its appeal for Generation Y who is willing
to trade high pay for fewer billable hours, flexible schedules and a better
work/life balance. While older generations may view this attitude as
narcissistic or lacking commitment, discipline and drive, Generation Y legal professionals
have a different vision of workplace expectations and prioritize family over
work.
The Generating X’s are technologically adept. This
mentality reflects a shift from a manufacturing economy to a service economy.
The first generation to grow up with computers, technology is entwined into
their lives. As law firms and corporate legal departments take part in new
technological tools, Generation X has learned and adapted. This generation is
comfortable using PDAs, smartphones, e-mail, laptops, tablets and other
technology employed in the legal workplace; which makes them very flexible.
While the Tech-Savvy Generation Y grew up with
technology and rely on it to perform their jobs better. Armed with smartphones,
laptops, tablets and other gadgets, Generation Y is plugged-in 24 hours a day,
7 days a week. This generation prefers to communicate through e-mails, text
messaging and social websites rather than face-to-face contact and prefers
webinars and online technology to traditional lecture-based presentations.
Generation X lived through tough economic times in the
80s and saw their workaholic parents lose hard-earned positions. Thus, they are
less committed to one employer and more willing to change jobs to get ahead
than previous generations. They adapt well to change and are tolerant of
alternative lifestyles. Generation X is ambitious and eager to learn new skills
but want to accomplish things on their own terms. Which also makes them value
work and life balance. Unlike previous generations, members of Generation X
work to live rather than live to work. They appreciate fun in the workplace and
adopt a work hard/play hard mentality. Generation X managers often incorporate
humor and games into work activities like team building trips.
Making Generation Y more achievement oriented.
Developed and pampered by parents who did not want to make the mistakes of the
previous generation, Generation Y is confident, ambitious and
achievement-oriented. They have high expectations of their employers, seek out
new challenges and are not afraid to question authority. Generation Y wants
meaningful work and a solid learning curve. Team-Oriented: As children,
Generation Y participated in team sports, play groups and other group
activities. They value teamwork and seek the input and acknowledgement of
others. Part of a no-person-left-behind generation, Generation Y is loyal,
committed and wants to be included and involved; which also makes them crave
attention. Generation Y craves attention in the forms of feedback and guidance.
They appreciate being kept in the loop and seek frequent praise and
reassurance. Generation Y may benefit greatly from mentors who can help guide
and develop their young careers.
http://legalcareers.about.com/od/practicetips/a/GenerationX.htm
http://legalcareers.about.com/od/practicetips/a/GenerationY.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment