Millennials vs Gen Z: Key Differences (2024)

FAQs

Millennials vs Gen Z: Key Differences? ›

Millennials were born between 1981 and 1996 while members of the Gen Z years Gen Z years were born between 1997 and 2012. Millennials expect faster customer service. Gen Z tends to be better at accepting delayed gratification than millennials. Millennial customer service expectations are higher than Gen Z customers.

Generation Z are different from Millennials because they grew up with social media and the internet. Generation Z were born between 1996 and 2010. According to some studies, they're more likely to work independently. There's a rise in entrepreneurial aspirations when it comes to Generation Z.

Unlike the millennial generation, Generation Z tends to be extremely tolerant and inclusive. Unlike the millennial generation, Generation Z approaches adulthood planning to work for success. Unlike the millennial generation, Generation Z feels entitled to a great job after college graduation.

Millennials want to learn and grow in their roles, believing meaningful feedback can help keep them on track. Gen Z values more frequent and informal feedback. In a GenHQ study, more than 60% of responding Gen Zers said they need feedback from their managers at least once every few weeks.

Generation X follows, and they were born between 1965 and 1980. Next comes Generation Y (more commonly known as Millennials), born between roughly 1981 and 1994. The youngest generation in today's workforce is Gen Z, meaning Generation Z, who were born between 1995 and 2009.

According to Cigna International Health's 2023 survey of almost 12,000 workers around the world, 91% of 18-to-24-year-olds report being stressed – compared to 84% on average. Research indicates Gen Z are emerging as the most stressed demographic in the workplace, and struggling mightily to cope.

They both prefer to work for companies and people that care about them and prioritize their work-life balance. They also promote that people get enough sleep, do a lot of exercise and yoga, eat healthily, take a good number of breaks, and maintain an excellent work-life balance.

Generation Z vs Millennials: Key Takeaways

Millennials value stability (34%), while Gen Z puts more of an emphasis on finding their dream job (32%). More Gen Zers follow their parents' influence (42%), compared to their Millennial counterparts (36%).

For many Gen Zers, it's important they feel valued in the workplace. However, for millennials, I have found that actions speak louder than words. Millennials crave recognition for their work too, but they would prefer their employer show it through promotions, pay increases, and perks.

Millennials were born into a technological world and came of age in a new millennium. They also were old enough to experience and comprehend 9/11. This generation has witnessed technological growth and development. As a result, they are considered more progressive, creative and far-thinking than earlier generations.

Why does Gen Z look older than Millennials? ›

The ASPS study found that the age group is embracing “Baby Botox” to prevent wrinkles before they form. And just like fillers, its overuse can also create the appearance of advanced aging, Belkin said.

Gen Z is thought to have gotten its name for being two generations after Gen X. Gen Z is thought to have gotten its name because it came after Gen X and Millennials, a generation some tried to label as Gen Y.

They are colloquially known as "zoomers", which surprisingly was not coined after Zoom, the video chat service, but instead is a play on the term 'boomers' and refers to the fast-paced nature of Gen Z's upbringing, amidst the explosion of technology and culture.

Gen Z (or Generation Z) grew up with rapid digital changes. As teens, Gen Zers experienced the boom of smartphones, wearables, and virtual assistants, among other disruptive tech. This immersion makes them open to integrating new technology into their lives. Gen Z is already using AI in their daily lives.

This generation is also highly educated, skilled, and motivated. This generation is not motivated by financial gain but by a sense of connection as well as personal and professional relationships. They're socially accountable and look forward to working in a sustainable environment.

While Gen Z embraces baggy, low-rise pants in fun prints, millennials cling to their high-waisted, skinny-fit denim. "A great alternative to try for mom jeans since they're not as trendy right now would be high-waisted, wide-leg jeans," she said. "They're longer; it hits you where you can still wear your booties.