The values that typically shape Hispanic lives are most often family, faith, respect for elders, and a strong work ethic. As these values transcend generations and shape the future, other influences surely come in to play for young Hispanics born and/or raised in the United States. Today’s Hispanic Millennials are a part of a generation that accounts for 47% of the current U.S. workforce, Generation Y. Coming of age in the midst of the tech boom and the onslaught of mass media, this generation, perhaps more than any other, is concerned about diversity, growth, and the opportunity to make a difference in the world, and these values undoubtedly influence the qualities Gen Y seeks in prospective employers.
According to a series of Intelligence Group studies cited in a Forbes article, “What Millennials Want In The Workplace (And Why You Should Start Giving It To Them),” by Rob Asghar, the work priorities of most millennials do not necessarily align with those of previous generations. Noted by Jamie Gutfriend, chief strategy officer for the Intelligence Group, the studies found the following:
- 64% of the Gen Y subjects said making the world a better place is a priority for them.
- 72% would like to be their own boss, but in working for someone, 79% would like to work for a boss who is more of a coach or mentor.
- 88% would like to work in a collaborative work environment where they are not in competition with their co-workers.
- 74% would like to their work schedules to be flexible.
- 88% seek “work-life integration,” which blurs the boundaries between work and life but may allow them the flexibility to work other priorities into their lives during typical work hours.
The extent to which these findings apply to Hispanic Millennials may largely depend on how deep their roots run in the U.S. and how strong their ties are to their families and their faith, though many of these findings actually correspond to typical Hispanic values. Many Hispanic Millennials were raised with strong ties to their extended families and may seek a work environment that allows them to build family-like bonds. With the deep-seated respect they often hold for their parents and elders, Hispanic Millennials are also more likely to be deferential to their bosses than their Gen Y counterparts, though they also recognize and appreciate the fact that some bosses today are more collaborative than authoritative and adjust accordingly. Like other Gen Y members, they also surely value a boss who takes an interest in supporting and mentoring them, similar to the bonds many may hold with older relatives.
Some Hispanic Millennials may not be willing to compromise on a work-life balance that does not permit them to separate work from their family and personal lives, but others may be more receptive to the flexibility a more integrated approach potentially brings. They definitely have priorities aside from work, but they want to give their best efforts to all their pursuits. As is most often the case, Hispanic Millennials have been raised and deeply influenced by parents and grandparents who exemplified hard work and sacrifice, so they are often less entitled and more appreciative of work opportunities than some of their Gen Y cohorts. Hispanic Millennials are willing to work hard and, while still seeking the opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the world, may be equally interested in giving back to their own families and communities.
It may owe to narcissism that Millennials view themselves as a generation on a mission, but with its passion, creativity, and dedication, Generation Y is eager to take its place in the world and the workforce and employers who are receptive to these ways stand to benefit greatly.