Generation Y and work-related values: A qualitative study of social representations

This qualitative study examined the social representations of work values among nine Swedish students of Generation Y. As the oldest working generation retires, the labor market requires a major adjustment. To facilitate the transition of Generation Y into the labor market requires employers’ knowledge of young peoples’ work values and vision of working life. Strong common values between participants were explained by social representations, which mean they had collective perceptions that were based on the similar influences that affect them as a group and have affected them during childhood. This qualitative study examined nine students who study at Jönköping University and are part of this new working generation. The result was generated by doing semi-structured interviews that was explored by a thematic analysis. The study foremost examined the social representations of the centrality of work, altruistic values, intrinsic values, extrinsic values, social values, leadership, and flexibility. Of the categories with associated factors measured, results showed for instance that development opportunities, social values and the variation of work were distinctive values among Generation Y graduates. Results also showed that balancing leisure with work was of great importance