Comments on: Connecting with Gen-Y

By: The Incredible Hipness of Being a Cool Place to Work

The Incredible Hipness of Being a Cool Place to Work — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 05:22:59 +0000

[...] Connecting with Gen-Y [...]

By: Joseph Wilburn

Joseph Wilburn — Fri, 25 May 2007 04:16:11 +0000

Interesting post and article! I can identify a bit being born at the end of Gen X/early Gen Y in 1979. I know, for me, and those born say before 1982, we’re a bit more appreciative of those perks and incentives that we receive in the workplace. I know what it’s like to NOT be able to find work in a high unemployment economy which those younger than me have yet to experience — especially in Alberta where I most recently lived. Putting 19 year olds on a salary of $40K + with nothing but high school education is a bit excessive for perks but it’s an increasing reality out there and now it’s almost expected.

But I do like non traditional working hours, working from home should be an increasingly popular option given severe traffic and environmental concerns and most young people I know wouldn’t bat an eye at putting in 50+ hours a week at work for a generally good honest company (remunerated of course).

Eric: I can totally relate to your daughter’s experiences. Don’t get me started on HR..
Sometimes they hurt internal PR more than anything.

By: Eric Eggertson

Eric Eggertson — Fri, 25 May 2007 03:10:26 +0000

Definitely. There has to be some compromise, or you’d have chaos.

Companies should take a good look in the mirror, though. My daughter got pre-interviewed over the phone, and dragged in for a job interview. At the end of the interview, they found out she doesn’t have a car, and told her she couldn’t be considered for the job. That’s something they could have asked on the phone.

Another company wanted her to come for an orientation session, and to bring a cancelled cheque. She doesn’t have a chequing account, so she brought her bank account info. They refused to let her take part in the orientation session, because she didn’t have the cheque (and the only purpose of the cheque is to provide the bank account info).

These same companies bitch and complain that “young people don’t show any loyalty, and don’t know manners.”

By: Paull Young

Paull Young — Fri, 25 May 2007 02:19:58 +0000

Thanks for pointing this out Eric.

I think in many cases it is true, and employers should take note of it. However, at the same time isn’t it necessary for Gen Yers to adapt to the realities of the workplace?