Introduction
Generation Y were the first generation to grow up with access to the internet which led to them becoming familiar and the early adopters of early mobile phones, social media and much more.
This generation is most frequently referred to as Millennials which was a term originally used in 1987 for the cohort of youth graduating in 2000.
Millennials are less likely to be religious that previous generations but do believe in spirituality and life after death.
The share of the British public who say they are a religious person has halved since the early 1980s
Generation Y experienced more time with their parents who valued getting a healthy work/life balance. This generation also leave home later than previous generations and their parents tend to provide a safety net. In terms of Maslov’s Hierarchy of Needs it allows them to focus on the upper layers of the pyramid.
Relationships between parents and their Generation Y offspring.
Key Events
This generation witnessed the birth and rapid expansion of the Internet into everyday lives. The official birthday of the internet is generally accepted as January 1, 1983. It originated from a need for the US defence department to be able to move computers around easily, in the event of an attack during the Cold War.
As home-computers became more powerful, with the introduction of early computers such as the ZX Spectrum and Commodore 64, small games publishing companies emerged, such as Electronic Arts in 1982.
The combination of access to more powerful computers and the rise of the internet provided new opportunities, leading to the rise of social media and the DotCom industries.
Initially the communities were built crudely with the rise of Geo Cities in 1994 which laid the foundations for the major platforms still available today such Facebook.
Although the first public Pride event, celebrating and creating LGBT awareness, was held in 1991 to commemorate the Stonewall riots it wasn’t until June 1999 that June was declared Pride Month.
In 1989 the Cold War came to an end followed by the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Characteristics
They are very technology savvy but also lived in a period where technology wasn’t so prevalent and have had to learn and adapt. This has made them very good at adopting technology as it is introduced in the workplace.
They seek support and review from their superiors which some accredit to parents bestowing rewards for participation rather than competition.
They value freedom and flexibility in how they do their work and in the 2013 PWC study found that Generation Y tended to think of work as a “thing” rather than a “place”. Their attitude of measuring productivity has shifted from the number of hours worked to the number of objectives that were achieved.
Generation Y tend to stay well connected using social media and 2015 study by Microsoft found that 77% of millennials agreed with the statement, “When nothing is occupying my attention, the first thing I do is reach for my phone,” compared to just 10% for the older generations.
With the rise of the internet and social media Millennials have been exposed to a diverse range of cultures, ideas, perspectives, and beliefs from an early age which has fostered an appreciation of diversity. They have been exposed to educational initiatives that emphasise the importance of diversity encouraging greater empathy, understanding and inclusion for everyone.
By
