Mind the generation gap

SEEKís latest annual Satisfaction and Motivation survey has revealed that the values held most dear by Generation Y fly in the face of the commonly held belief that our most commercially aware generation are money-hungry. The results show that when looking for new jobs Generation Y puts good management at the top of their lists, while Generation X rates salary second to none.

This yearís survey results show that Australiaís most cash conscious generation is Generation X, who have voted salary to be the most important factor when considering jobs, despite 49% of them earning over $50Kpa and a further 23% earning over $70Kpa. This is in stark contrast to their Generation Y counterparts, who earn less than $50K.

The 2006 survey is based on the responses of over 8,700 employed SEEK users, who were asked to rate their happiness and job satisfaction on a range of scales. These included a rating of their top five loves, hates, what they value most in their jobs and how secure they feel.

ìThe generation gap is evident on so many levels but whatís interesting about these results is that they show Generation Y employees are looking for what money canít buy and that all companies should be offering, good quality management and providing direction, training and career development opportunitiesî said SEEK Sales Director, Joe Powell.

ìWith a reputation for experiencing boredom and frustration with outdated technologies and traditional hierarchies, Generation Y have clearly demonstrated that they appreciate the age old value of good management and are actively seeking it out, the challenge for their Generations X managers is providing itî he said.