Let's Talk: Which Generation Do You Belong To - Millennial or Generation Z?

Millennials are also known as Generation Y or the Net Generation. They are the demographic cohort that are born after Generation X. According to Pew Research Center anyone born between 1981 and 1996 (ages 25 to 40 in 2021) is considered a Millennial. This generation gained the name Millennial because they were born near, or came of age during, the dawn of the 21st century - the new millennium. Since they were the first to be born into a digital world, members of this group are considered "digital pioneers."

Millennials generally grew up with computers and the internet. It is reported that this familiarity makes them adept at understanding interfaces and visual languages. They tend to adjust readily to new programs, operating systems, and devices. They also tend to perform computer-based tasks quicker than older generations. Although it has been proven that multitasking is not usually an effective way to work, it is said that Millennials may be the employees who are most likely to pull it off.

As it is in the alphabet, Generation Z (Gen Z) refers to the demographic group that was born after Generation Y. Anyone born between 1997 to 2009 (ages 12 to 24 in 2021) is considered to be from Generation Z. While Gen Z'

s share a number of characteristics with Millennials, their formative years have been shaped by a drastically different world, resulting in key differences in attitudes, tendencies and outlook. A characteristic feature of Generation Z is their native use of technology. Whereas Millennials were considered “digital pioneers”, who saw first-hand the explosion of technology and social media, Gen Z's were born into the world of ultimate technological innovation, where information is immediately accessible and social media increasingly ubiquitous.

It has been reported that there is a grey area between the two generations among those born in the mid1990s. These individuals will likely identify with behaviours associated with both Generation Z and Millennials.

According to an article by O’Neil (2020), there are seven (7) main differences between Millennials and Generation Z:

1. Millennials search for meaning in their work while Gen Z's prioritize job security and pay

2. Gen Z's values independence whereas Millennials thrive on collaborative working

3. Millennials were the “digital pioneers”, but Gen Z's are digital natives

4. Millennials want to pursue multiple job roles, but Gen Z's want to pursue multiple career paths

5. Gen Z's prefer face to face communication whereas Millennials rely on digital communication

6. Gen Z's value socially conscious organizations more than Millennials

7. Gen Z's are pragmatic, Millennials are idealistic

In summary, to be an effective leader in a diverse environment like Kiwanis one should learn to understand and appreciate what innate skills and abilities each generational group brings to the organization. No generational group is better than the other. Instead, leaders should embrace the differences that exist between the generational groups and work towards bridging the gap in order to give our best in service of the children of the world. Kids need Kiwanis.

Authored by Vice President Shauna McLeod