Only 3% of Generation X and 6% of Generation Y cite money as the main priority in their job
Overall 58% just want to be happy in their job
High confidence levels: 74% of people surveyed say: New job Ö No problem!
The latest IrishJobs.ie survey focuses on two generations ñ Generation X (born 1965-1981), now in their thirties and forties, well established in the workforce and Generation Y (born 1982-2000), new entrants making their mark and in their twenties.
The IrishJobs.ie survey revealed that generations X and Y share a similar value system, prioritising quality of life and a ëwork to liveí ethic in place of the ëlive to workí ethic of Baby Boomers (post World War 2: 1946-1964). 60% of Generation X workers and 58% of Generation Y stated that their career goal was to ëjust be happy in their jobí with good opportunities being key.
A small proportion, 3% of Generation X and 6% of Generation Y respondents, put earnings first. This group claimed that they did not care about the job in hand - it is just about the more money the better. Again, a minority of respondents, 3% of Generation X and 10% of Generation Y, stated that they just wanted to get to the top of the ladder as quickly as possible.
Jane Lorigan, Managing Director, IrishJobs.ie commented: ìThe IrishJobs.ie survey results support the much documented fact that Generation X and Y value quality of life in the forms of time, family and freedom. Enjoying life is a priority for both Generation X and Y workers and money alone is no longer the most important factor.î
Time, family, freedom
67% across both generations more loyal to their lifestyle than to their employer
78% of Generation X and 69% of Generation Y say that greater flexibility in work is key
56% Generation X and 61% Generation Y say that flexi time is preferable
40% considered family as number 1 priority with friends and social circle a close second at 29%. Family and friends/social rated highly against money, work, health hobbies and religion
Lorigan said: ìAs an employer and key player in the Irish recruitment market, IrishJobs.ie is aware of the challenges presented by the emergence of new generations in the workplace. Diversity is a key feature of the workplace in relation to generation, culture, background etc. The workplace is more multi-generational now than it ever was and smart management is necessary in order to harness the qualities of each generation.î
She continued: ìAlthough the IrishJobs.ie survey reveals similarities among Generation X and Generation Y, there are important differences in attitude that require understanding as part of a successful management approach. Generation Y, the newer entrant to the workplace, arrives with a ëcan doí attitude and is very self assured, demanding things ënowí and preferring an inclusive rather than a hierarchical set up. This is the generation that grew up in the Information Age. In contrast, Generation X employees are generally understood to be more uncertain, less aware of their own self worth and also hard working producing excellent results.î
The IrishJobs.ie survey on Generation X and Generation Y also revealed a confident workforce with three quarters of respondents across both generation X and Y saying they would be confident of getting a new job easily. When asked ëdo you see yourself being affected by high unemployment over the next ten yearsí, 74% responded ënoí.
Reflecting a key difference between Generations X and Y ñ attitude, 41% of the younger age group reported to be very ready to speak their mind as compared to 26% of the older age group.
In a similar vein 65% of all those surveyed would be quite confident of requesting or at least hinting at it being time for a review with an employer while 26% would wait for the employer to make the offer on the basis of lacking in confidence.
IrishJobs.ie ëGeneration X versus Generation Y Workersí Survey Reveals Similar Values
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