Generation Z? I wonder what other generations there are

I hear the term "Generation Z" quite often lately.

Generation Z seems to refer to the generation born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s.
They are currently young people in their late teens to twenties.

They are called digital natives because they have grown up in a digital society where the internet, smartphones, social media, YouTube, and online games have been part of their daily lives since they were old enough to understand the world.
They value diversity and their own individuality, so they seem to dislike peer pressure.

Having experienced recessions, disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic, they have become more stability-oriented and cost-performance-oriented.
Also, while they have a desire for approval on social media and the like, they are also quite cautious for fear of being flamed.
They prefer work styles that suit them and value their private lives.
Generation Z is gradually becoming an important consumer group in society, and as they enter the workforce, workplace values will likely change as well.
They are currently in the spotlight because their influence on social media is very strong, making them a source of trends and culture.

When interacting with them, it is important to speak briefly, clearly, and concretely, such as by incorporating digital tools rather than using abstract language, and to properly specify reasons and priorities as well.

If you try to interact with them while acknowledging their individuality, it will be easier to build a relationship of trust.

Conversely, ways of interacting that should be avoided include:
talking one-sidedly without listening to the other person's opinion,
imposing your own values by saying things like "It was like this in the old days" or "This is normal,"
giving instructions like "Just get it done" without providing proper explanations,
contacting them on holidays or outside of working hours, and
labeling them by saying things like "Because you're Gen Z."

There are various other named generations as well. Let's look at them in order.

○ Silent Generation:
Born from the mid-1920s to the early 1940s, they are a generation that survived the war, so they are characterized by being patient, serious, obedient to organizations, and respectful of authority.
Therefore, when interacting with them, it is required to show politeness and respect carefully and to demonstrate an attitude of respecting the other person.

○ Baby Boomers:
Born from 1946 to 1964, they were born during the baby boom of the high economic growth period, and they tend to be highly competitive and work-centered.
Therefore, it is effective to recognize their achievements and contributions rather than their effort or grit, and to show an attitude of relying on their experience.

○ Generation X:
Born from 1965 to 1980, perhaps because they experienced the bubble economy and its subsequent collapse, they are realistic and highly adaptable.
When interacting with them, excessive interference should be avoided because they have a strong sense of independence.
Also, it is easier to gain their understanding if you convey rational explanations and the background of information as well.

○ Millennials (Generation Y):
Born from 1981 to 1995, this generation reached their formative years when the internet began to spread; they value self-actualization and prioritize work-life balance (quality of life) over work.
For them, you should clearly explain the meaning and purpose of "why you are doing that."
And if you give them a theme and let them take on challenges, their motivation will likely increase.

○ Generation Z is as mentioned earlier.

○ Generation Alpha:
Born from the 2010s onwards, they have had smartphones since birth, and AI is becoming commonplace, so their ways of learning and working are changing significantly.
Since they are expected to be able to handle digital devices like AI naturally in the future, tasks that can fully utilize these will likely be suitable for them.
Therefore, rather than teaching them, an attitude of learning together might be better.

○ Ice Age Generation:
Born from 1970 to 1982, this was a period when finding employment became extremely difficult, and the increase in non-regular employment led to a widening wage gap.
Since they have experienced the feeling that effort is not rewarded, you can build a relationship of trust if you clarify their roles and evaluation criteria and fairly evaluate their achievements.

○ Yutori Generation:
Born from 1987 to 1996, this is the generation that grew up receiving so-called "Yutori" (relaxed) education; they value individuality and prefer a work style that is at their own pace and not overly demanding.
Therefore, you should avoid giving instructions in a high-handed manner.
And by clearly explaining "why it is necessary," you will be able to create an environment where it is easy to work.

In any of these generations, a generation gap occurs between veteran employees and young employees.

Regarding how to proceed with work, while veterans use the "learn by watching" method, young people cannot move unless they properly understand the purpose, procedures, deadlines, and priorities.

As for means of communication, while veterans think that "if you talk, they will understand" and prefer phone calls or face-to-face meetings, young people tend to dislike phone calls because they feel their time is suddenly taken away, and they think email or similar methods are better because they can check them at their convenience.

Regarding progress reports on work, while veterans want them frequently, young people want to do them only when necessary because they do not want to be interfered with every time.

In the first place, while veterans put work first, young people prioritize work-life balance and think that they "want to value their private lives" as well.

The key to resolving the generation gap is not to deny the differences between generations.

By understanding, or at least making an effort to understand, generational differences and historical backgrounds, and by not unilaterally imposing our own values, perhaps we can manage to get along well.

Thank you for reading.
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I look forward to your continued support.

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