Millennials are known for working to live not living to work. But, for Gen Y women, work is essential to a meaningful and happy life, according to recent research by the Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Foundation.
In their qualitative research , the BPW Foundation found that Millennial women don’t really separate work and their life. Work is an integral part of their life. Because they spend so much time there, it affects every part of their life. Millennial women are looking for employers who treat them as a person with interests and life beyond the immediacy of their work position.
That doesn’t mean Gen Y women are just biding time at their place of employment in order to get a paycheck. Millennial women assume they will enjoy work. They want to work, but they want to enjoy what they are doing at work.
The BPW Foundation research found that Millennial women think a successful career is one that makes an impact. Making an impact increases the likelihood that Millennial women will feel satisfied with their jobs. The women who reported the most job satisfaction in the focus groups said their work was not only fun, but was a contribution to “something bigger than themselves.”
When their job is meaningful, Gen Y women feel more satisfied. When their job leads to professional growth, they enjoy their work and it is more satisfying.
This concept of seeking satisfaction from work may not be new, but the difference is the way Millennial women approach it.
It’s not an idle wish for Millennial women.
They expect it.
They were raised in a time where attention was focused on women, the playing field was leveled (think Title IX and the emphasis of girls in school). Millennial women will demand it.
Most importantly, if Millennial women don’t find it at one job, they absolutely will move on to another job that does offer satisfaction and a more meaningful existence.
For Gen Y women, work in and of itself isn’t pivotal to a happy life.
The right work is essential.
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