Why are strict generational classifications into X, Y, and Z nonsense?

If I ask you which generation you belong to, you can probably tell me immediately and even list the main characteristics and traits associated with your generation. Isn't that true?

But could you have done that ten years ago? Would you have known whether you belong to the apolitical yet hardworking Generation X, or the first semi-digital and highly individualistic Generation Y? I doubt it. The generational question, or rather the generational assertion, only really gained traction a few years ago. In my opinion, it became a significant part of our collective discourse with the entry of Generation Z into the workforce. It's challenging to pinpoint when the broader public began to wonder why the youngest entrants into the job market are supposedly the most complicated. Regardless, we've seen countless publications detailing the peculiarities of Generation Z. Entire agencies have been established to help older generations understand the mindset of Gen Z. Recently, a few young entrepreneurs in Switzerland even launched their own job app (Jobshot), because, as they say, job hunting for the young is a bit like using Tinder.

As an experienced recruiter with over 20 years of close interaction with individuals from all generations, I would like to take a moment to pose a few questions.¹.

1. Do events in the first 15 years of a person’s life, which are commonly believed to shape the specific characteristics and behavior patterns of a generation, not impact all individuals similarly regardless of their generational cohort?
2. At what point are the typical attributes of a new generation assigned, and by whom? It's worth noting that the youngest members of Gen Z are only twelve years old.
3. What if people evolve and change throughout their lives?
4. What if society evolves over time?

You likely understand my point – upon closer scrutiny, common generational definitions appear quite unreliable. Hence, I want to explain more concretely why, as a human resources manager, you should not let the generational question overly influence your decisions.

Are these generational traits or simply the effects of puberty?

I'll give you an example: The youngest members of Generation Z are currently (depending on the theory) twelve years old, while the oldest are 27. This means that a significant portion of this generation is either just before, in the midst of, or shortly after puberty, experiencing all the associated brain and hormonal changes. Yet, in the collective perception, Gen Z is already seen as having distinct generational traits such as being pessimistic, sensitive, and complicated. According to Wikipedia, 'they strive for self-determination, fulfillment, and self-actualization. Professionally, they prefer unique work experiences that are enjoyable, meaningful, varied, exciting, and challenging, and that align with their personal inclinations.²…

Let's be honest… If you belong to Generation Y, X, or the Baby Boomers, wouldn't you have expressed similar sentiments in your youth as well? Exactly.

What seems far more crucial to me are the societal and technological developments and their impact on the talents of the workforce, and how recruiters should evaluate these changes. Employees are also customers, meaning they represent key target groups. As such, they bring invaluable know-how and skills to companies. For example, feedback from younger, digitally native colleagues on your company's customer journeys or social media presence can be extremely valuable. They also embody societal shifts: work-life balance, remote work, and purpose – these are not merely exaggerated demands from a specific generation, but rather the outcomes of significant experiences and processes we've collectively undergone, especially in recent years.

Trust your instincts!

Therefore, don't be discouraged if young people, who are just starting their careers, occasionally express seemingly unconventional ideas and conditions regarding their employment. They will develop into equally capable and loyal colleagues, just like their predecessors from other generations.

Likewise, don't be swayed by the numerous consulting agencies and influencers popping up, trying to convince you that this generation entering the workforce is fundamentally different from all those before it and can only be understood through paid translation services.

Keep trusting your knowledge of people, your experience, and your instincts. After all, you are not dealing with extraterrestrials.

¹https://www.researchgate.net/publication/328030090_Der_Generationenmythos

²https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Generation_Z

Doris Fink

Managing Director/Owner