Just when employers learned how to manage the Generation-X work pool, along comes the Generation-Y workforce.

Generation-Y -- known as the Echo Boomer, Net or Millennium Generation -- comprise some 70 million workers born to Baby Boomers between 1979 and 1994. While just beginning to work (as interns, part-timers and early workforce entrants), Net-ers already comprise a recognizable and distinct work group.

How They Differ

The Net generation has displayed more responsibility than previous generations by holding part-time jobs in high school and in college. They have not been given handouts to the extent their Baby Boomer parents have, and will probably work harder and expect more. Gen-Yers have a global orientation and an early understanding of the need for interconnectivity within a worldwide economy. Net-ers have seen their parents cut from organizations due to downsizing, mergers, takeovers and closings. Not surprisingly, they equate job security with training and skills. Ability and performance, say Net-ers, is their currency for getting a good job and establishing a good career path.

The Face of Gen-Yers

Net-ers are comfortable with changing technology and easily adapt to change in general. They have the ability -- and desire -- to juggle multiple tasks.

Gen-Yers prefer a technologically advanced work environment. They are more racially diverse than previous generations and will add a new element and level of tolerance to the workplace.

Net-ers enjoy constant stimuli because of their Internet-speed mentality and may have difficulty understanding that things take time.

What Gen-Yers Will Need

Forecasters predict that Gen-Yers will not stay in dead-end jobs and will require positions with growth opportunities that are intellectually and financially rewarding. They will be the largest workforce in history to telecommute and will demand a balance between work and personal life. Perhaps because of their media-saturated upbringing (that fosters mistrust), Net-ers will want to see everything in writing. Without contracts, Gen-Yers wonÿt trust or feel secure. Net-ers will be most productive when working on several, on-going projects simultaneously.

Raised on very little quiet time, Gen-Yers may work better (and be more productive) with background music coming from a CD in their computer. Gen-Yers have a good understanding of the job market and will strive to meet specific goals. Companies with self-managed and self-directed teams will find that Net-ers are well equipped to work individually and in team environments.

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