Contrary to managers’ opinions, Gen Y is not significantly more likely to leave their current employer in the next 3 years than Gen X, their older generation.
This data from a year-long survey of your students taking UGotClass courses in leadership and developing leadership skills.
Around half of both Gen X and Gen Yers polled respond “Unlikely or No Way” to the question of whether they are likely to leave their employer in the 3 years.
But there the similarity stops.
Business Wants to Know
The data is important now because a whole generation of business owners and managers are retiring now, a whopping 6 million in the coming year. Training new younger leaders is more imperative than ‘nice’ now as these young leaders take over.
Gen Y (born 1980-1997)
As expected with a younger generation, some 25% of Gen Yers say they are “Likely” to leave their current employer in the next 3 years. That’s far from the majority. But it means employers do need to pay attention to retain their talented people in this generation. Only 13% of Gen Yers say they need a promotion to stay, so promotions are not the sole criteria for staying for Gen Y.
Gen X (born 1964 – 1979)
Gen X is not averse to moving on either. While not planning on leaving, a whopping 54% of Gen Xers say they will weigh the pros and cons, or whether they get a promotion, in making the decision to stay. Promotions are twice the consideration in staying as for Gen Y. So Gen X retention is an entirely different strategy than the retention strategy for Gen Y.
UGotClass Premieres Survey Articles
UGotClass, LERN’s online course provider for your program, premiered survey results in leadership, and a separately poll in management, this year. It is another new educational service, like y/our unique Class Ranking for your students.
Moving Forward
-The results of 2026’s management survey, on the quality your boss needs to improve the most, will be released this fall.
-Another new benefit for generating just 100 or more UGotClass registrations a year will be announced.
