Sick of talking about Millennials?

Good. Because Gen Z, born between 1996-2012, (maybe 2015, depending which research you read–yes, it’s okay to feel old) is here!

I have many friends and colleagues who are tired of the generations discussion. We’re all human. We all experience things. Most of us want some kind of purpose or connection to our work. So, can we stop talking about who was born when and all the things they have in common?

We could, but the Liberal Arts / Psychology / Human Development / Sociology brain in my head finds it so fascinating, especially since I work with this generation at CareerWise Colorado and I have a Gen Z-er of my own.
Recently, my daughter and I were talking about the attacks of 9/11. I was pregnant with her, driving to work when I heard about the first plane on the radio. Then I told her a story about my dad being riveted to the black and white television screen (contained in a cabinet the size of a small refrigerator!) as Neil Armstrong proclaimed a “giant leap for Mankind.”
Her surprising statement: “I love hearing these stories. It’s so interesting to think about what it would have been like and what my generations’ stories will be.”

It’s impossible to tell which triumphs and tragedies will shape those moments for Gen Z. But they’ve grown up in an always connected, 24-hour news-cycle world and have been raised by their latch-key, rebellious, and cynical GenX parents. That’s a recipe for a generation of independent-thinkers with unique global and historical awareness, and where they fit within it.
The Center for Generational Kinetics, in its “The State of GenZ” study, found that:

• 50% identify as minorities or as mixed race / ethnicity
• 64% like to contribute to websites because they like learning
• 77% already currently work in some capacity to earn spending money
• 56% recently discussed finances with their parents (within the past 6 months)
• 21% had a savings account before age 10
• 88% are optimistic about their personal future

How will they show up at work?

Engaged, inquisitive, confident, independent, dynamic.

Who doesn’t want that mojo in their organization?

A full infographic encapsulating much of the data can be found here, and provided the image featured in this blog.