In today’s ‘new world of work’, new rules apply. Gen Y is throwing its weight about – and resistance is futile. Their older colleagues are catching on and shrewd employers are paying attention.

Today’s business world is characterised not just by dire skill shortages, but also a shift in the priorities of employees. Those who are known as ‘Generation Y’ (born 1978-1998) demand more from their employers than their predecessors. Flatter hierarchies, sophisticated technology and strong values are driving changes in how employers successfully attract and retain good people – of all generations.

It’s not that Gen Y has a monopoly on the new order, simply that we’re the first people who’ve never known otherwise. Generation X talked about work/life balance as though it meant working fewer hours. We believe there is a complete blurring of lines between work and play, being constantly connected means we can ‘work’ at all times of day. Work used to be somewhere you went. Now it’s something you do. Employers need to sit up and take notice.’

Dr Paul Redmond, head of careers and employability service at University of Liverpool, says the notion of a lifelong career with just one or perhaps two employers has long been consigned to the dustbin. ‘There would seem to be a mismatch between some employers’ expectations of Gen Y and the reality,’ he says. ‘For many younger people, the idea of a 40-year career can be a big turn-off.’

Closing the generation gap

According to Jon Glesinger, CEO of Expert Alumni, which matches much-needed retired professionals with organisations desperately short of talent, enlightened employers are increasingly bringing professional people out of retirement to help to address skill shortages. And Glesinger suspects that Gen Y and baby boomers, while perhaps living in parallel universes, are also co-dependent to an extent, particularly with regard to the workplace.

‘For baby boomers coming out of retirement to help Gen Y to be successful, there has to be a shift in attitude amongst employers,’ he says. ‘Boomers are a lot less different to Gen Y once they’ve retired. They too will make demands on employers; they may not want to come into the office on Wednesdays if they’re playing golf. Employers can’t ignore that.’

It’s crucial that all generations realise that the pace of change – particularly in technology – has accelerated in recent years. ‘As Thomas Friedman says, our world is flat. It is now easier to collaborate and compete globally than ever before,’ says Bruce Morton, co-founder of e3unlimited. ‘It’s crucial that generations old and young recognise their differences, but more importantly understand the many similarities coming through in this new world of work.’