New York — Sept. 3
Generations Y and X are moving into management roles at a fast pace, according to a new survey.
Between 2008 and 2013, 87 percent of Gen Y took on a management role vs. 38 percent of Gen X and 19 percent of baby boomers, according to a survey by professional services firm Ernst & Young LLP, or EY. By comparison, from 2003 to 2008, 12 percent Gen Y, 30 percent Gen X and 23 percent of boomers moved into management.
EY's external online generations survey of polled more than 1,200 U.S., cross-company professionals. The responses were evenly split from managers and non-managers in three select generations — Gen Y, Gen X and baby boomers.
In considering today's economic climate, most respondents selected Gen X (80 percent) as being equipped to manage effectively, followed closely by boomers (76 percent) and Gen Y (27 percent), according to the survey.
Looking ahead to 2020, respondents' positive opinion of Gen X managers (65 percent) still persists and outpaces boomers (27 percent) and Gen Y, but the expectations that Gen Y will manage effectively in 2020 nearly double — from 27 percent now to 51 percent in 2020.
As expected, boomers were least likely to be identified as equipped to manage effectively in 2020, possibly because respondents expect more boomers to move into retirement.
Source: Ernst & Young LLP
A growing percentage of Gen Y polled in a new survey said they’ve taken on management roles.