A generation is a group of people born around the same time and raised around the same place. People in this “birth cohort” exhibit similar characteristics, preferences, and values over their lifetimes.
A generation is a group of people born around the same time and raised around the same place. People in this “birth cohort” exhibit similar characteristics, preferences, and values over their lifetimes. At The Center for Generational Kinetics, we believe that generations are not a box; instead, they are powerful clues showing where to begin connecting with and influencing people of different ages. There are big differences between the generations and it’s important to know the years when each generation begins and ends.
- This generation has been engaged in technology since birth and how they make buying decisions, communicate, and gather information.
- 55% of Gen Z have smartphone usage in excess of 5 hours per day.
- 21% of Gen Z will watch or read at least nine reviews before making a purchase which details the importance of honesty in business and actively seeking reviews and ratings.
- 60% of Gen Z stated that 15 minutes is the most that they would invest in completing an application and that they prefer fast and easy online applications,
- Gen Z has an expectation of being mentored, fast communication, providing motivation, and training and development which they detail will lead to higher retention
Millennials, for example, are the most consistent generation globally. However, we still see important differences between Millennials raised in an urban environment versus those raised in a rural one or those who move to a new country. There may be some slight variations in the definitions of a specific "generation", but the following list generally reflects the standard years ascribed to each:
- The Greatest Generation – born 1901-1924.
- The Silent Generation – born 1925-1945.
- The Baby Boomer Generation – born 1946-1964.
- Generation X – born 1965-1979.
- Millennials – born 1980-1994.
- Generation Z – born 1995-2012.
- Gen Alpha – born 2013 – 2025.
