Skip to content
Sunday 16 August 2026London --:--Frankfurt --:--Zurich --:--
NewslettersSearchEN · DE
MorningWire

European business, markets and politics

FTSE 100
10,750.11
-0.21%
DAX
26,440.31
+0.53%
CAC 40
8,636.80
-0.16%
STOXX 50
6,539.59
-0.09%
  • Europe
  • Markets
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Technology
  • Politics
  • Opinion
More
GermanyFranceBankingAIEnergyFintechPropertyCapital Markets
  • Germany
  • France
  • Europe
  • Markets
  • Business
  • Economy
  • Technology
  • Politics
  • Opinion
  • DE
Wednesday 17 February 2016 10:03 am

Generation Y-ney? It’s official – millennials are the moaniest workers, while Generation X have the strongest work ethic

By: Emma Haslett

Add as a preferred source on Google

Been hearing a lot of complaints from the youngest members of your team recently? Not surprising, apparently: new research has suggested that millennials – those born between 1980 and 2004 – are likely to be your workplace's whiniest workers.

The research, by Workfront, found 41 per cent of workers think their millennial colleagues are the biggest complainers, followed by baby boomers (seen by 31 per cent as the moaniest) and generation X.

Millennials are also seen as the least co-operative, by 43 per cent of their colleagues – and the least likely to take responsibility – by 57 per cent of their colleagues.

But they do have some uses. Some 46 per cent of colleagues reckon millennials are the most creative, while 66 per cent think they're the most tech savvy. 

Meanwhile, generation X – those aged between 35 and 50 – are seen as the hardest workers, by 52 per cent of colleagues, and the most productive – by 60 per cent. They also have the strongest work ethic, and make the best problem solvers.

But alas, baby boomers – those aged over 50 – are seen as the least hard-working and the least productive, although they do have the second-strongest work ethic and are the second-most skilled.

To be fair, millennials do have something to complain about: yesterday they were told they should be saving £800 a month if they want to retire at the age of 65 with a £30,000-a-year income. 

They responded in typically gen Y fashion, posting complaints on Twitter. 

25 year olds need to save £800 a month to retire at 65. I don't even make £800 a month! Work til dead then 👍🏻

— emma (@emmabakerrr) February 16, 2016

Whine, whine, whine. Come on, guys. That's not the can-do attitude of your forebears…

Share this article

  • Facebook
  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • WhatsApp
  • Email

Similarly tagged content:

Sections

  • Jobs and Money

Categories

  • Personal Development

Trending Articles

  • Revolut takes flight with launch of new airport lounges

  • Grandparents fund university degrees to avoid inheritance tax net

  • Revolut chatbot goes rogue by charging users to cancel subscription

  • Brompton Bicycle sues former adviser for ‘professional negligence’

  • As It Happened: Stocks dip as oil’s ‘slowing demand’ in focus; Iran threatens to extend war

More from Morning Wire

  • Half of Gen Z Workers Report AI Guilt Despite Rising Demand for AI Skills

    Business Wire
  • Atlanta set for major economic boost as England World Cup fans spend

    Sport Business
    Breaking news illustration with digital world map and stock market graphs, highlighting global economic trends.
  • Is it ever ok to wear shorts to the office?

    Opinion
    Man in shorts and sunglasses walking through an office, holding a Free Palestine mug, while colleagues watch in disbelief.
  • Boozy lunches still on the menu: Law firms bankroll juniors to schmooze clients in the City

    Law
    Chef garnishing falafel with microgreens and pickled onions using tweezers on a white plate in a kitchen
  • London Sports Festival moves from 3×3 basketball success to pickleball at Canada Corporation’s Guildhall Yard

    Sponsored
    Aerial view of Guildhall Yard hosting sports activities for the London Sports Festival 2025 launch
  • Morningstar Announces New London Office

    Business Wire
  • The 24-hour news cycle is ruining politics

    Opinion
    Downing Street entrance with iconic black door, relevant to UK government and politics, set in a historic London street scene
  • London Sports Festival’s 3×3 Basketball Court Scores Early Success with Basketball England Takeover

    Partner
    Kids playing basketball at a pop-up court in London, with the Monument to the Great Fire visible.
MorningWire

Independent European business, markets and political news for decision-makers.

Morning Briefing

Europe

  • Germany
  • France
  • Europe
  • UK & Ireland

Business

  • Markets
  • Banking
  • Technology
  • Energy
  • Property
  • Fintech

Editorial

  • Opinion
  • Editorial Policy
  • Corrections
  • Contact

Company

  • About Morning Wire
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
© 2026 Morning Wire Ltd · Published by Morning Wire Media, Bahnhofstrasse 65, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Privacy · Terms · Cookies · Facebook