A phenomenological study of Generation Y at work: Better understanding Generation Y's lived experience in the workplace

This study explored and described the lived experience of Generation Y members related to their workplace experiences. The debate over identifying Generation Y, coupled with the need to understand and incorporate their strengths and needs provided the impetus for this research study.;As part of phenomenological approach, interviews were conducted with six members of the Generation Y cohort throughout Northern California. Interview content analysis yielded clusters of meaning for how participants experienced the phenomenon of work.;A total of nine themes identified as common, relevant, or otherwise significant to the experiences of these Generation Yers captured the essence of the participants' lived experience at work. These themes were: (a) being motivated by movement; (b) driving for high performance; (c) valuing interactions at work; (d) relating work, identity, and well-being;(e) having expectations of leaders; (f) acclimating to workplace dynamics; (g) having social and community consciousness; (h) having an awareness of employment during the current economic times; and (i) having an awareness of diversity in the workplace. It was concluded that the essence of these themes was founded in three underlying beliefs: interconnectedness, change, and fairness. The findings of this study provides some evidence that past assumptions and interpretations of research on the Generation Y cohort might not have yielded exhaustive guidance on how best to work with members of this cohort. Key considerations were identified for organizations and managers as a result.