CNV

From 03 – 05 June 2010 NKOS organized, in cooperation with the European Centre for Worker’s Questions the seminar, “Generation Y is entering the labour-market” in Trnava, Slovakia. Participants from more than six countries discussed the current situation and future perspectives of the generation Y in their respective countries.

Main objectives of the seminar

• To discuss the situation and generation Y future perspectives of different EU countries;
• To analyze the factors, which impact the generation Y in EU countries;
• To discuss the possibility of involvement of generation Y into social dialogue at all levels and to analyze compatibility employment policy in different EU countries; 
• To discuss the connection of social policy and situation from the social partners point of view in different countries;
• To discuss the relationships of generation Y and older generation to the labour market  and labour relations;

Generation X versus generation Y

In scientific literature a difference is made between generation X and generation Y. Generation X is the generation born after the baby boom ended, ranging from 1961 to 1981. Generation Y is the generation born somewhere from the mid 1970s to the early 2000s. The years when the respective generations start, however, depend on the authors.

A few striking differences between the generations X and Y are:

• generation X is generally considered more individualistic compared to generation Y;
• generation X works with technology for practical means while generation Y cannot think of a life without technology;
• generation X has a sceptic perception and relationship with authority, while generation Y is more open-minded and accept authority. After some time the relationship between employer and employee becomes more even;
• generation Y tries to find meaning to their work. It must have an aim to it;
• for generation Y time outside of work is considered very important.

Generation Y in Slovakia and Eastern Europe

Due to the economic growth of Slovakia the young generation (generation Y) got used to a certain level of wealth. The consequence of this was that they had a different perception of economy and economic growth. As an effect of this their expectancies have sometimes been too high. As Slovakia is now experiencing economic downfall this perception is gradually changing. Still, generation Y is sometimes considered too self-confident. Generation Y perceives generation X as shallow, lacking knowledge of so-called high-culture (literature, poetry, classical music etc.).

Then again, generation Y is very in to various forms of (virtual) communication. Something that generation X is mostly not. Furthermore, generation Y is more open to changes. One can see this in the flexibility on the labour-market. The reason for this is that personal growth is considered very important. They are constantly wanting to improve themselves and are not easily satisfied. Everything should be perfect or at least one should strive for this.

Generation Y in Europe and The Netherlands

For young people it is still difficult to find suitable jobs. Though they are often well-qualified they lack the experience. This phenomena is particularly in a time of economic crisis a disadvantage. Jobs are limited and when jobs are available employers chose those with appropriate experience. To prevent that young people will lag behind measures are taken both on national as on European level. It is pivotal to integrate these young jobseekers into society to make sure that they will not end up as a lost generation. If one is without job for some time this has a lot of effects on the long run. Especially when thinking about low-skillet youth.

In The Netherlands, as in European level, there is a call for offering the youth without job further education and training so that, after the crisis comes to a hold, they are more qualified and prepared to enter the labour-market.

A shift should take place on how the youth is perceived. The same applies to the people on the brink of going on pension. Both should strengthen each other. One has the experience the other lacks, while the youth keep the older generation young and involved.

We all need each other. Not only now in times of economic downfall but also when times have become better. The solidarity between the generation is always strenuous, but demographic developments leave no other option. The fact that people live longer will lead to more pressure on the youth since they will be the ones supporting them in the future. A future that can only be good when the various generations cooperate.

for pictures click here