Which Generation Are You?

Published on August 19, 2014 - By Jo Meunier (née Disney)

Your definitive guide to workplace generations, past, present and future.

It’s impossible to open a newspaper or browse the business headlines without hearing about Boomers, Gen Y, or the up-and-coming Generation Z.

Allwork.Space regularly reports on generational trends and research. After all, it’s important for flexible workspace operators to get to know the people who are – and who will be – using your workspace. What’s more, with people working for longer, we are living in an era where up to five generations could soon be working together.

Below, we’ve collated some classic traits and characteristics of the 5 latest generations, starting with the early Traditionalists and finishing with the current Generation Z.

Bear in mind that there is no exact definition of the year each generation starts and ends. If you have reason to believe these dates are slightly out, do drop us a line to let us know.

Born ca. 1925-1945

The ‘Traditionalists’, also known as the ‘Silent Generation’ and the ‘Greatest Generation’, were born and raised in turbulent times. Most experienced World War II as well as extreme economic and political uncertainty, especially during the Great Depression. This generation is typically hard working and thrifty, and often associated with loyalty, conformity, and respect for authority.

You’re a Traditionalist if: It was all about Scarlett O’Hara.

Born ca. 1946-1964

‘Baby Boomers’, also known as ‘Boomers’ or the ‘Woodstock Generation’, were born after WWII and up to the mid 1960s. In the post-WWII years, as nations slowly recovered from economic hardship, a sharp increase in births led to a generation of ‘boomers’ experiencing economic recovery, growth and a level of prosperity. Boomers are typically well-educated, hard-working and are motivated by position, perks and prestige.

You’re a Boomer if: You lived in Levi’s and L’eggs.

Born ca. 1964-1982

Following the baby boom, ‘Generation X’ or ‘Gen X’ arrived. Older GenX-ers experienced influential global events such as The Vietnam War, the Cold War, and the Thatcher-era government in the UK. This group grew up in an age of two-income families with a high number of women joining the workforce. They are often seen as independent, resourceful and self-sufficient. Observers claim that Gen X is more open to diversity and cultural differences than previous generations.

You’re Gen X if: You owned a pair of Doc Martens.

Born ca. 1982-2002

These are the ‘Millennials’, also known as ‘Generation Y’ or ‘Gen Y’. The earliest members of this demographic grew up at a time when households began introducing personal computers, while the youngest arrived when home computing and office technology was well established and experiencing rapid development (for instance, Microsoft released Windows XP in 2001). Gen Y is often associated with a tech-savvy lifestyle, always-on culture and a desire for work-life balance.

You’re Gen Y if: You played Arkanoid and Pac-Man for hours.

Born ca. 2002-Present

Born after the Millennials, the generation that is currently being born is the ‘Cyber Generation’, also knows as ‘Generation Z’ or ‘Gen Z’. This young demographic is being born into an age of high-tech communication, dominated by multiple mobile devices, social media, and constant connectivity.

You’re Gen Z if: You learned how to swipe a tablet screen before you could speak.

Further Reading