Large-scale study finds Gen Y no different to any other group

Rather than being a distinct, homogenous group, Generation Ys are simply a product of their age and the stage of life they are going through, according to a senior organisational psychologist.

Melissa Wong from SHL said in an effort to bring more scientific analysis to the issue, SHL had reviewed personality data from the test results of over 3,500 Australians across a range of ages, in an effort to find out what motivated Gen Y in comparison to Gen X and Baby Boomers.

She said the media coverage of Gen Y traits included a number of recurring themes, such as a tendency to be demanding and difficult to manage; a focus on achievement; a desire for constant variety; and a lack of loyalty.

But the data analysis found that in terms of work/life balance, job security, learning and development, and varied work content, there was no difference in motivations across the generational groups, Wong said.

"This is really interesting because we're all getting ourselves really worked up about Gen Y. But we found there are not that many differences."

Wong said the research had identified only three perceptible differences between Gen Ys and their Gen X and Baby Boomer counterparts.

Gen Ys:

• enjoy being around people;
• want career progression - but that may mean lateral progression rather than vertical; and
• are slightly more cynical.

Courtesy of CareersMultiList