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Generational differences drive career choices

Thursday 4th October 2007 7:37 am EST

In a new book on breaking down generational barriers at work, generational researcher

and long-time HR specialist, Avril Henry, has identified what drives each generation, and
included a special focus on people in the recruitment industry.

Launched this week, Inspiring tomorrow's leaders today - Breaking down generational
barriers at work does not deal with the recruitment process and techniques for attracting
different generations, as Henry says there are many good books addressing that area.

Instead, she focuses on how to retain, lead and motivate each generation.

Career choices and career management

Henry surveyed members of each generation about what a career means to them, finding
there were differences not only between generations but also depending on the industries
in which they work.

She found:

● Baby Boomers primarily want financial security and job satisfaction. In the
recruitment industry, they also want to learn about life in general, opportunities to
learn new things, job satisfaction, to grow within the organisation, to manage
changes (both cultural and technological) and to understand and manage the
modern workforce;

● Generation X sees career more as a means to continually advance and

acquire new skills. Those in the recruitment industry want personal fulfilment,
challenge and stimulation, personal development, recognition and "simply a means
to an end";

● Generation Y has a completely different view of career. Henry said this,

"makes sense when you consider they will have at least two distinctive career
changes before they are even 30 years of age." She says they think a career is
about enjoyment, freedom and new challenges.

In both the private and public sectors (no specific recruitment industry data is
available), Gen Y identified the following as important in their career: something to

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enjoy, changes with time, advancement and progression, having greater freedom
and choices, constant change, new challenges, recognition and satisfaction,
developing life skills, interest in the industry and field of work, engagement, job
satisfaction (but not when it takes over other aspects of life), experiencing the wider
world, different jobs in different countries, and keeping themselves entertained.

Interestingly, there were some strong similarities among the generations' varied responses
to the question, "Where do you see your career in five to 10 years' time?"

Boomers said:

● still working full-time to maintain lifestyle, pay off debts and support Gen Y children;
● working part-time or flexible hours;
● doing something different;
● in more senior management roles, and/or on boards; and
● retired (but this was a minority group).

Gen X said:

● still looking for challenging opportunities to enable ongoing professional and

personal growth;
● working part-time to balance work and family responsibilities;
● in a different job, different career and different organisation; and
● in more senior management roles, leading others.

Gen Y said:

● no limits! Open to all interesting opportunities;

● running my own business;
● doing something different;
● in a position of influence, in the same or a different industry;
● rich and semi-retired; and
● no idea!

Related Links

Related Article : How to work with Gen Y "faults" to recruit and manage better
Related Article : Do hire Gen Y! Turn their weaknesses into strengths: Trainer
Related Article : Don't hire Gen Y, says market researcher
Related Article : Gen Y shouldn't be blamed for poor recruiting processes

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