Gen 2001: Loyalty and Values - Generation X and work - Brief Article

Workforce, Oct, 2001 by Amy Rottier

In sharp contrast to the slackers before them, the college graduates entering the workforce are a loyal bunch. A survey by Harris Interactive for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company found that those born between 1919 and 2001 are more dutiful and dedicated than Generation Xers.

"When Generation X came into the business world, we were thrilled because they started up businesses faster than any other generation," says Deanna Tillisch, director of "Generation 2001: The Second Study." But because of vast job opportunities, GenXers hopped around a lot, and company loyalty suffered, she says.

Like their grandparents, the new generation expresses loyalty and strong value systems. More than 90 percent of the respondents said that helping others is more important than helping oneself.

The survey also found that the new generation is heading into the business world with ambition and entrepreneurial spirit. Six out of 10 college graduates plan to enter the workforce immediately. More than half think it is likely that they will work for themselves someday. And though family and relationships are important, Generation 2001 expects to sacrifice family time at some point in order to further their careers.