Gen Y and Gen Z

Who are the Gen Y and Gen Z?

What are their characteristics that

separates them from each other?
Why are generations named after letters?
It started with Generation X; people born
between 1965-1980. The preceding generation
was the Baby Boomers, born 1946-1964. Post-
World War II, Americans enjoyed new-found
prosperity, which resulted in a "baby boom."
The children born as a result were dubbed the
Baby Boomers.
But the generation that followed the Boomers
didn’t have a blatant cultural identifier. In fact,
that’s the anecdotal origin of the term Gen X —
illustrating the undetermined characteristics they
would come to be known by.
From there on it was all down-alphabet. The
generation following Gen X naturally became
Gen Y, born 1981-1996 (give or take a few
years on either end). The term “Millennial” is
widely credited to Neil Howe, along with William
Strauss. The pair coined the term in 1989 when
the impending turn of the millennium began to
feature heavily in the cultural consciousness.
Generation Z refers to babies born from the
late 90s through today. A flurry of potential
labels has also appeared, including Gen Tech,
post-Millennials, iGeneration, Gen Y-Fi, and
Zoomers.
Why are generation cohort names
important?
They’re useful terms for marketers and tend to
trickle down into common usage. Again, it’s
important to emphasize that referring to a
cohort only by the age range gets complicated
quickly. Ten years from now, the priorities of
Millennials will have changed — and marketing
tactics must adjust instep.
There are also other categories of cohorts you
can use to better understand consumers
going beyond age or generation.

Remember, these arbitrary generational

cutoff points are just that. They aren’t an
exact science, and are continually
evolving.
What makes both generation different from
each other?
Generation name Gen Y Gen Z

Gen Me, Gen We, Echo Boomers,

Also known as... iGen, Centennials, Zoomers
Millennials, Digital Natives

Birth years 1981 to 1994/6 1997 to 2012/15

Oldest 40 24

Youngest 27/25 9/6

 The average Gen Zer received
95% still watch TV, but Netflix
their first mobile phone at age
edges out traditional cable as
10.3 years. Many of them
the preferred provider. Cord-
grew up playing with their
cutting in favor of streaming
parents' mobile phones or
services is the popular choice.
Media tablets. They have grown up
This generation is extremely
consumption in a hyper-connected world
comfortable with mobile
and the smartphone is their
devices, but 32% will still use a
preferred method of
computer for purchases. They
communication. On average,
typically have multiple social
they spend 3 hours a day on
media accounts.
their mobile device.
 Smartphones, social
The Great
media, never
Recession, the
knowing a country
Shaping technological
not at war, and
events explosion of the
seeing the financial
internet and social
struggles of their
media, and 9/11
parents (Gen X).
8 Common Characteristics of Generation Y
1. Gen Y is tech-savvy
Generation Y is the first generation to grow up with the
internet, cell phones and digital communication.
“Digital natives'' is a term often used to describe
people who grew up tech-savvy. These professionals
are comfortable learning and using the latest software
releases in the workplace. They may find it easier to
learn new software, such as shared chat platforms.
2. Gen Y values flexibility
Many millennials prefer a flexible work
schedule and workplace. Since many
millennials hold computer-based jobs, they
may seek positions that are at least partly
remote and allow them to work outside of a
traditional 9 to 5 schedule.
3. Gen Y seeks work-life balance
Gen Ys usually seek positions in which they
can have a solid work-life balance. They
prefer a job that allows them to spend more
time with their family or pursue personal
goals. In some cases, they may prefer a job
with more flexible hours over one that offers
higher pay.
4. Gen Y is results-oriented
Another reason why millennials value flexibility is that
they are results-oriented. They would rather tell you
what they accomplished instead of telling you how
long they worked. If they can complete a project
faster than the allotted amount of time, they can
achieve more. The ability to list more achievements
can make them feel accomplished in the workplace.
5. Gen Y seeks rewards and praise
Millennials grew up in a world of digital communication
and social media, which could make them more
dependent on praise than other generations.
Sometimes, receiving praise during a team meeting
from a manager can help a Gen Y employee stay
motivated and productive. Attention and praise let a
millennial know when they’ve exceeded expectations.
6. Gen Y are innovators
Many Gen Ys are innovative and look for new ways
to be more efficient. They often ask questions about
a rule or established process so they can better
understand ways to make improvements. The ability
to apply their knowledge of new software and
technology to automate and improve processes is an
invaluable asset in any office.
7. Gen Y enjoys collaboration
Instead of working individually and focusing on a
specific set of tasks, members of Generation Y
often try to find ways to work together to complete
projects. Gen Ys won’t hesitate to step outside their
own departments to find solutions, whether that
means consulting with someone in IT for better
software or checking profitability charts with
someone from accounting. This also helps foster a
results-oriented workplace with everyone working
toward a shared goal.
8. Gen Y is ambitious
Generation Y challenges how things are done so they can
reach their goals. This is an ambitious generation that wants
to do something new or break a record that was previously
out of reach. They’re not afraid to work hard to overcome
challenges and obstacles.

Members of Generation Y try to follow the “work smarter, not

harder” motto. They would rather develop a strategic solution
to a problem that saves time, money and effort so they can
apply that savings to other problems.
10 Common Characteristics of Generation Z

1. Generation Z is financially focused

When it comes to work, Generation Z views their
job as a means to an end. Unlike their Millennial
counterparts who often need to love what they do,
Gen Z understands that work is performed for
financial reasons. They’ll readily accept
employment that provides a steady income and
necessary benefits even if it isn’t their dream job.
2. Generation Z is entrepreneurial
We regularly hear about rags-to-riches stories that have resulted from
the technology boom. Whether it’s the notable rise of Steve Jobs and Bill
Gates from toiling in their garages to accumulating limitless wealth, or
the recurring stories of teenagers creating apps in their free time that
make them overnight millionaires, Gen Z knows there is money to be
made from good ideas.

They aren’t afraid to chase those ideas and

believe that they have what it takes to have similar
successes. They are also keenly aware that
everything they don’t currently know is a simple
click or two away, which makes the bold decision
to be an entrepreneur less arduous and easier to
swallow.
3. Generation Z is all about technology
From the time of their birth, the internet and cell
phones (for the most part) were commonplace.
Gen Z wants instant gratification and they know if
that if they need information, it’s easily accessible.

Because being connected makes communication

virtually limitless, it’s not uncommon for members of
Gen Z to have friends all over the world. For many,
communicating with someone halfway around the
world may be easier than communicating with older
relatives at the dinner table during a holiday meal.
4. Generation Z enjoys other people
Gen Z likes face-to-face interaction, but it
doesn’t always have to take place in the same
physical location. Regularly utilizing apps such as
FaceTime or Skype, members of Gen Z will often
have “face-to-face” conversations with thousands of
miles separating the participants, utilizing technology
of which they are so adept.

The main difference between Gen Z and older generations is

the reduced amount of eye contact employed. The younger
generation was born with a device in their hands and are simply
used to looking down. It’s not meant to be a sign of disrespect
or disinterest in the person speaking to them, although older
generations may interpret their lack of eye contact as such.
5. Generation Z is competitive
This group is very focused and competitive
in most areas of life. Not only do they want to get
into the best schools and get the highest paying
jobs, they want to win every debate and every
sporting event. Competition constantly drives this
group.
6. Change is welcomed by Generation Z
With limitless information at their fingertips, Gen
Z has a lot of knowledge and exposure to many
different topics. With this breadth of knowledge, they
constantly seek new ideas and experiences. They will
change direction on a dime without a second thought,
leaving some of the older generations shaking their
heads trying to keep up.
7. Diversity doesn’t even register with Generation Z
They’ve grown up in a diverse world and it’s
all they know. Neither race, sexual orientation nor
religion are the identifying characteristics that they
may have been for previous generations. People
are just people to Gen Z. It doesn’t mean they won’t
judge, however. Gen Z is more likely to judge
someone for what you are, rather than for who you
are.
8. Generation Z prefers independence
A key differentiator between Gen Z and their
Millennial counterparts is Gen Z’s preference to
work independently. Millennials are all about
collaboration, but the competitive nature of Gen Z
contributes to them wanting to control their own
destiny and not rely on others for their own success.
9. Generation Z wants to be heard
Having access to so much information, Gen Z has

strong opinions and wants them to be heard. This is

especially true in the workplace, where they expect

to be an equal contributor. Gen Z members believe
their ideas are just as valuable as ideas from
members of other generations.
While they may lack experience that only
comes with time, their ability to change on a dime,
process information quickly and compete make them
a voice to be heard in any organization.
10. Generation Z can be a lot like their parents
No matter how much they may try to fight it,
Gen Z can be a lot like their Gen X parents.
Behaviorally, Millennials tend to reflect many of the
characteristics of their Baby Boomer parents, a key
distinguishing difference between the two groups.
With an individualistic focus and a certain
level of skepticism, they are relatively optimistic
even if they aren’t overtly trusting.
ASSESSMENT: Individual work, to be submitted next meeting May 8, 2024.

Instruction: Using the table provided below, identity your own traits/qualities
that can be considered as a “Gen Z”.

POSITIVE NEGATIVE