Generation Y Asks, "Why Not?"

Figuring out how to manage today's young workforce can be really tough. Several studies and anecdotal observations have noted that Generation Y -- those born after 1980, who are now joining the workforce -- display unconventional work habits and attitudes. But new research suggests that these traits work in Millennials' favor as they seek jobs in a tough economic climate.

Jobless rates are at 12 percent for Millennials in the U.S., as cited in a recent TrendWatcher from the Institute for Corporate Productivity (ic4p), which goes on to note that this number is double in Australia. And yet, 50 percent of college students and recent grads feel the job outlook is still positive, according to findings in the 2009 Economic Impact Survey, a report from Boston, Mass.-based Experience, Inc., a company that offers a university-endorsed network for the younger workforce.

Millennials' attitudes toward the current economic recession, in fact, appear to be positive manifestations of their quirks. For instance, Generation Y's willingness to take on ambitious projects early in their careers has always been an asset, and will only continue to be so: Close to one-third (30 percent) of the 1,644 Millennials surveyed by Experience reveal that they are prepared to take on more projects or help colleagues with their work in order to keep the positions they have. Furthermore, 33 percent say that they are willing to work more hours to improve job security, and 44 percent rank job security as more important than personal job satisfaction -- putting the lie to the myths that they are largely self-absorbed and unrealistic about their careers.

Readers interested in learning more about how to manage Generation Y's top talent should go to on-demand online video about managing Millennials, which features Penelope Trunk, widely read blogger and CEO of the Brazen Careerist, a business social network for young people.

"Due to the seismic shift in population demographics, Gen Y will soon dominate our workforce, and will comprise half of the headcount at any given company within 10 years," says Jenny Floren, founder and CEO of Experience. "Gen Y is optimistic about the future, and is eager to contribute to finding solutions to today’s challenges. We can all learn from their optimism and willingness to adapt to changing situations."