In recent years, our workforce and consumer base has experienced a substantial influx of individuals who are part of the Millennial generation. Millennials represent more than one quarter of the nation’s population, about 83.1 million (United States Census Bureau). Though an exact definition is unclear, generally speaking, people who were born between the early 1980s and early 2000s would fall under the Millennial or Generation Y category. If you haven’t had the chance already, it’s probably time to get to know the demographic.
At first glance, the Millennial generation has not had the warmest reception to the workforce. Many Millennials are subjected to generalizations of being “entitled, lazy whiners” who lack understanding and haven’t truly grown up. Certainly there are individuals who deserve this categorization from each generation, but it is unfair to paint with a wide brush. Let’s see what the scientific literature has to say about this emerging generation.