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The recession was a new experience for many of the twenty-somethings of Generation Y.
A year ago it was not uncommon to hear employers complain that Gen Y workers were too demanding and unrealistic, expecting rapid promotion and high salaries, and that they lacked loyalty and could not be counted on to stay in a job for more than a year.
But it seems employers are changing their tune.
Recruitment firm Robert Half says younger workers are more likely to challenge established ways of doing things which has helped organisations come up with more efficient ways of doing things during the recession.
"They've been able to challenge the status quo when we've needed them to," says Megan Alexander, general manager of Robert Half New Zealand.
And, she says young job seekers no longer have unrealistic pay expectations and have been happier to stay put for longer.
"A lot of their peers and friends haven't been able to get jobs so it's been tough on those that haven't, and those that have (jobs) have actually valued their jobs a little bit more," says Alexander.
Gen Y particularly has had a tough time in the temporary and casual market as they have not had the experience needed to hit the ground running for these sorts of roles.
However, those sitting tight in permanent roles have garnered valuable skills and are now helping to impact the bottom line.
"Now they've been in businesses for a little bit longer they've actually got some real world experience which is making them able to add value rather than being young and thinking that they know everything, which is the common complaint that we've had from our clients," says Alexander.
However, Gen Y workers who may have become disgruntled with working long hours or not feeling their employer has looked after them well during 2009 may become more mobile next year as the economy improves.
"Once that treadmill gets going, who knows what 2010 will bring," says Alexander.
She advises employers to act now and try and retain staff before they start looking for new roles.
