Communication Styles Differ

"Communication style probably has a greater impact on productivity and morale than frame of reference," said Haefner. "Gen Y workers tend to communicate more through technology, so communications tend to be abbreviated and at times abrupt." The tone and meaning of those truncated, abbreviated messages are easily misunderstood.

Further complicating matters among Generation Y, Generation X and Baby Boom workers is the fact that 55 percent of employers over the age of 35 think Generation Y workers have a more difficult time following directions or responding to supervisors than older generations.

Another significant difference between Generation Y and older workers that creates tension is Generation Y's expectations of how they will be treated on the job. A whopping 87 percent of survey respondents say some or most Generation Y workers feel more entitled to receive better compensation and benefits and faster career advancement than older workers. To wit:

• 74 percent of employers say Generation Y workers expect to be paid more.

• 61 percent say Generation Y workers expect to have flexible work schedules.

• 56 percent say Generation Y workers expect to be promoted within a year.

• 50 percent say Generation Y workers expect to have more vacation or personal time.

• 37 percent say Generation Y workers expect to have access to state-of-the-art technology.

Older workers aren't the only ones who believe that Generation Y feels more entitled. Seventy-three percent of hiring managers and HR professionals age 25 to 29 also say Generation Y workers expect more money, promotions, flexible work schedules and vacation time. (For more information on Generation Y's upbringing and its impact on the workplace, read "Management Techniques for Bringing Out the Best in Generation Y")

Generation Y has been so vocal about its job expectations that employers are beginning to take notice. Fifteen percent of employers said they changed their HR policies or implemented new ones to cater to Generation Y workers. Among the changes they've made:

• 57 percent have introduced more flexible work schedules.

• 33 percent have implemented more recognition programs.

• 26 percent give employees more access to state-of-the-art technology.

• 26 percent have increased salaries and bonuses.

• 24 percent offer more ongoing training programs.

• 20 percent pay for mobile phones and BlackBerrys.

• 18 percent offer more telecommuting options.

• 11 percent increased vacation time.

Haefner notes that these changes benefit all workers, not just those from Generation Y. "As companies' culture evolves with each generation, you'll see all workers benefiting from a variety of viewpoints and work styles," she says.

- MERIDITH LEVINSON