Introduction

Millennials are also referred to as generation Y. They are born between 1980 and 2000 (or 1979 & 1994). They represent a sizable population cohort; they are the first generation to have been born into households with computers and to have grown up surrounded by digital media. They are heavy media consumers, creators of personal content on the web, and always described as the "look at me" generation. Needless to say that they are better educated. Since baby boomers are gradually phasing out of the current workforce, millennials are replacing them in order for businesses to continue operating.

For this reason, it is important to understand the characteristics of this generation as well as what satisfies it on the job and what bothers it. For example, a study conducted on 148 millennials claimed that males are more satisfied on the job than are females, while females are more committed to the organization than males are. Moreover, millennials who proceed to get a graduate degree are found to be more loyal to the company than those who did not earn a graduate degree (Table 1).

Traditionalists (1925–1945) Baby boomers (1946–1964) Gen Xers (1965–1980) Millennials (1981–2000)
• Hardworking • Hardworking • Entrepreneurial • Tech savvy
• Respectful • Idealistic • Flexible • Appreciative of diversity
• Value loyalty • Committed to harmony • Self-reliant • Skilled in multitasking
• Conformers who resist to change • Self-centered with a sense of entitlement • Comfortable with technology • Very short attention spans
• Disciplined and pragmatic • Workaholics • Lazy • Not loyal to organization
• Work and family lives never coincide • Self-motivated • Skeptical and cynical • Demand immediate feedback and recognition
• Dress formally • Do not appreciate feedback
• Dress Formally		 • Question authority figures
• Desire work-life balance and flexible schedule		 • Integrates technology in the workplace
• Expect to have many employers and multiple careers
• Work dress is whatever feels comfortable
• Lack basic literacy fundamentals

Table 1. Differences between generations (Positive and negative traits).