There is a new generation emerging today known as “Generation T”.
What is Generation T?
Those born after 2010 are referred to as Generation T. Although there has already been a Gen T for those born before 1945 (traditionalists) there is very little in common between the two Gen Ts. There has been a huge social and cultural change between the two generations.
Why “T”?
This new globalised generation are growing up surrounded by technology and have all kinds of connections being at their fingertips. This “touch” generation are not overwhelmed by hyperconnectivity, from the age of three these children can have complete control of devices connected to the internet that provide an immediate response through touch screens, which cannot apply to non-touchscreen devices.
How does Gen T fit in?
Gen T are currently the youngest generation who grow up knowing the world through a digital screen. Just before this are Gen Z, followed by Gen Y, Gen X and Baby Boomers.
| Who (when) | What |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Those growing up post-war, through the Great Depression, believed this life would be better than the last and so are hardworking, accepting of authority figures and optimistic. Believe together we can make a difference so fans of team working. Brought in mission statements to create a shared ambition |
| Generation X (1965-1980) | The role of women began to change, with more females entering the workforce introducing a positive change. Gen X, as opposed to Gen Y, dislike constant feedback and are more intrapreneurial in the workplace often preferring to work alone. They were also the most adaptive to change.
Also reacted to long hours of Baby Boomers and wanted more work life balance. More evidence based approach to work and introduced competencies and project management to the workplace |
| Generation Y (1980-1999) | Achievement and goal orientated, like constant “feedforward” and shaped by/comfortable with new technologies such as the internet and online communications. Strong appreciation of diversity. By 2020, will shape 50% of the global workforce. |
| Generation Z (2000-2010) | Will shape the world of work for years to come, more globally concerned than any other generation, are more task-focused and have a higher self-esteem. Unlike Gen Y, are more competitive and more entrepreneurial (55% more likely to want to start their own business than Gen Y). |
| Generation T (2010-) | Impatient (they follow a “touch and get” rule). Used to seeing everything shared on the web, have issues with privacy and security of data. Technology experts with the world at their fingertips. |
There are now up to four generations working alongside each other. Each of these generations experienced different upbringings which means they have different social, cultural and professional influences which impact their personality, values and workplace expectations. These influences in their formative years create a lens through which they view the way they work. Each generation will have their own generational bias meaning they will view the way they work as the best way. After studying and researching generational differences in the workplace we have insights into the different approaches to work from each generation. This gives us another lens in helping us understand how people work, manage change, form relationships etc.
This area of research is a passion for CMC Business Psychology Ltd as Clare conducted a research project on generational differences with a population from the UK and Ireland and regularly gives talks and workshops in this area. The generational diversity workshops have had very positive feedback with one recent participant stating,
“I think this has been the best training I’ve had in years!”
Here is a recent image of Clare conducting a workshop on Generational Diversity.
For more information on generational diversity and generational differences, see the 2 articles written by Clare and the resource list we have put together on Generational Diversity.
If you would like to talk further on this subject then please contact CMC Business Psychology here
This article was composed by Siobhan (Gen Y) and Clare (Gen X) from CMC Business Psychology Ltd
