Saturday 28 September 2013

Comparison Between Generation X and Y:


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

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