We hear more and more about this new generation, which is sometimes criticized: selfish, lazy, without any notion of work value. Does this description fit the young Luxembourgish generation or is there a generation eager to change the story emerging in the Grand Duchy as well?

"

In every generation there are different types of people, which makes  categorisation quite difficult, even if I see an evolution: the permanent connection and access to information. The new technologies ensure that information comes to young people in a way it didn’t come to previous generations. And to a certain extent, they believe that things come to them, which can be a source of criticism. At the same time, I see in the young people we daily support that they have a thirst for learning and carrying out diversified tasks, an aspiration to innovate as well.

Passion, the key to millennials' engagement in Luxembourg

Our young Luxembourgish people are searching for meaning in everything they do. In their work, they are either searching for personal development - it should make sense for them - or for social adequacy - it should make sense for society or the environment. They will never get involved without a reason and have a need of identification and belonging. I see it with the young people we support: their motivation rises when they are defending their very own ideas and projects.

They feel concerned with social issues and this is reflected in the projects they launch. Whether it is in the framework of a “Young Entreprise” project with the idea of developing an app that would facilitate the communication with children with autism, or in the framework of the “Mini entreprise” project with the creation of a memory game to learn how to sort waste or the reuse of plastic covers to produce bags. These young people can bring answers to the future development and demonstrate flexibility.

They will be looking for this flexibility in their future employments as well as for a work-life balance. I see young people that are demanding, have a critical mind. They are less scared and more confident; they are ready to take risks and to say what they think.

A need for guidance

A part of our young people are motivated by entrepreneurship, which still is a positive trend in Luxembourg. Through our projects, they get the chance to identify their potential, to set free their ability to innovate and to be creative, but they do need support and guidance. These projects enable positive learning and a gain in self-confidence.

"

Also to be read in the dossier "When Millennials Spell The End of the Status Quo": 

• Emmanuelle Duez: "This young generation is challenging yesterday’s models and first and foremost the corporate world"