Most juggle their work with MSN chats and, sometimes, with their ears plugged to music. They could also SMS on their cellphones at the same time, making it a sight to watch when they perform all these tasks together.

My daughter, who is in secondary school, studies for her exams with the music on and another finger on the cellphone keypad, busy SMSing her friends. I realise that this is their normal way of life. Multitasking has never being so fun before for them.

Nevertheless, they suffered often from middle-aged bosses who could not accept their way of behaviour and work ethics.

Often, meetings were held to 'ban' SMS on cellphones, online chats and loud chattering together when they try to get work done. Many naturally left the company after being warned for violating the rules a few times.

Such companies, I felt, could not come to terms with the new Generation Y workers. They lost out a group who is not only creative but also hardworking. Often, I could see them working late through the night to get work done on time. They also return to work on weekends if necessary, beating the Generation X workers hands down for commitment and hard work.

I tried to find out the psyche that pushes Generation Y workers by going into chatlines, Friendster, SMS or just hanging out with them a lot.

Most of them are down to earth people but perhaps with a point to prove. Some who come back with overseas degrees tend to be more outspoken and ambitious. This group tends to have the biggest challenge of unmet needs, such as wanting more freedom and trying to do something that they like but finding that there is not much avenue here. Some are already toying with working abroad after finding out that work here is both boring and overbearing. They also find that pay here is incredibly low compared to countries such as Australia or the United States.

As Singapore progresses, we will find more Generation Y workers in the workforce. How we accommodate and understand them will determine whether they have found the space which they crave for. If not, I am sure, other countries will welcome our young educated people with open arms.

Gilbert Goh

Hubei, China