Generation Z

Gen Z and Gen Alpha Infographic Update

  • Gen Z are those born between 1995-2009
  • They make up 22% of the global population and 27% of the global workforce
  • Typically the children of Generation X
  • They’re predicted to work 18 jobs across 6 careers and live in 15 homes in their lifetime

 

We are in the midst of a generational landmark, as Generation Z (born 1995-2009) enter the workforce and Generation Alpha (born 2010-2024) move through their schooling years. In this infographic, we provide an explanation about each of these generations, and some interesting facts about them.

In this article:

  • Generational breakdown
  • Generation Z
  • Characteristics of this emerging generation
  • Introducing Generation Alpha
  • Why name them Generation Alpha?

 

Generational Breakdown

Table of the different generations

Generation Z

The students of our world today who are currently at school and university are the children of Generation X, the cohort that follows Generation Y, and who are born between 1995 and 2009. They are Generation Z.

Generation X currently make up 23% of the global population. By 2035 they are projected to make up 20% of the population as Generation Alpha and Generation Beta are born. By 2035 they will also be the largest generation in the workforce at 31% (currently 27%). Globally there are almost 2 billion of them.

They are the first fully global generation, shaped in the 21st century, connected through digital devices, and engaged through social media.

 

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Characteristics of this emerging generation

Understanding and defining traits of Generation Z is key for employers and leaders to better attract, retain and engage with this emerging generation.

1. Digital

Gen Z are digital integrators. They have integrated technology seamlessly into their lives. Having used it from the youngest age, it is almost like the air they breathe, permeating all areas of their lifestyle and relationships.

2. Global

Gen Z is the first generation to be truly global. Music, movies and celebrities are more global for them than they have been for previous generations. Through technology, globalisation and our culturally diverse times, the fashions, foods, online entertainment and social trends are global as never before.

3. Social

More than any other generation, today’s youth are extensively connected to and shaped by their peers. Due to social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, Gen Z are influenced by a network that is larger both numerically and geographically, and being technology based, their network is connected 24/7. This technology, while helping to facilitate their relational world can also negatively impact it. Our research shows that a quarter of students who have been bullied, have been bullied via social media, text messages or email (24%).

4. Mobile

Not only are Gen Z mobile in terms of using technology constantly and when they are on-the-go, they are also moving homes, jobs, and careers faster than ever before. Today’s school leaver is expected to have 18 jobs across 6 careers.

5. Visual

While Google has 3.5 million searches per day, almost 5 billion videos are watched on YouTube every day. We have an emerging generation, many of whom are opting to watch a video summarising an issue rather than read an article discussing it.

Introducing Generation Alpha

Born since the year 2010, they are the children of the Millennials. They are the first generation who will be entirely born and shaped in the 21st century, and the first generation that we will see in record numbers in the 22nd century as well.

They are logged on and linked up – known as ‘digital natives’. They are the most materially endowed and technologically literate generation to ever grace the planet!

 

Why name them Generation Alpha?

Generation Alpha represent a whole new generation, entirely born in a new century. Going back to the beginning didn’t feel right for this next generation, so we’ve moved to the Greek alphabet. In keeping with this scientific naming of using the Greek alphabet in lieu of the Latin, and having worked our way through Generations X, Y and Z, we settled on the next cohort being Generation Alpha – not a return to the old, but the start of something new.

Gen Z and Gen Alpha Infographic Update

Generation Z Infographic

Drawing on the insights from our new Generations Defined report, this infographic on Generation Z includes data on, their population and workforce participation, top hopes & fears, qualities they value in leaders.