Generations such as the Greatest, Interwar, Boomers (B), X,Y, Z and Alpha were each born during specific social, economic and political circumstances. Being exposed to the first or second world wars, a man on the moon, the mobile phone, 9-11 or the covid pandemic and more, can shape our values and attitudes.
Your birth year determines which generation you belong to. We look deeper into this below.
Demographics
According to the 2021 Census, Canada has a population of approximately 36,991,981 and the working age (15-64) population is 23,957,760.
The working age population is the pool of Canadians 15-64 years old who are potential workers.
As of December 2021, there were 19,371,000 people in the labor force.
Canada’s labor force is made up of B, X, Y and Z generations listed below.
The Greatest and Alpha generations are not included given their age. Men and women born during The Interwar generation have some present day workers, but not a significant enough number to include. Plus Canada’s working age population has a range of 15-64, beyond 64 you’re not counted as a worker for statistical purposes!
Individuals per cohort making up the Canadian population (2021 Canada Census)
Add 3 Years To The Ages For 2024
- Greatest Generation: 135,560 people 94 or older (born before 1928)
- Interwar Generation: 2,716,910 people 76 to 93 (1928 to 1945)
- Generation Alpha: 3,194,415 people, 11 or younger (born in later 2010 or after)
As of 2021
- 9,212,640 Gen B, 56 to 75, born 1946 to 1965.
- 7,060,355 Gen X, 41 to 55, 1966 to 1980
- 7,926,595 Gen Y, 25 to 40, 1981 to 1996
- 6,700,000 Gen Z, 9 to 24, 1997 to early 2010
Big changes in the North American labor market.
According to Marija Lazic in the United States; “over a third of Americans don’t believe they’ll ever retire and about 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 each day, and the entire generation is expected to reach retirement age by 2030.”
Canada also faces record retirements from an aging workforce according to the 2021 Canada Census.
Older workers are retiring in large numbers which is creating a labor shortage in 6 or more sectors. These include trucking, the trades, health care, construction, retail trade, education and social services.
A new analysis of labour force survey data by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) found that 73,000 more people retired in the year ending August 2022 compared to a year earlier, a jump of 32 per cent.
“The risk you have, and in some sectors you’re already seeing it, is that people are leaving without there being enough younger workers to take over,” Jimmy Jean, chief economist at Desjardins Group told Reuters. “So there’s a loss of human capital and knowledge.”
“It is not just the 65-and-over crowd packing up their offices and hanging up their tool belts. A record number of Canadians aged 55-64 are now reporting they retired in the last 12 months,.” Statscan data shows. (Graphic).”
Now, let’s look closer at the Boomer, X, Y and Z generations that make up the modern labor force in Canada and the USA.
Characteristics of Boomers, Gen X, Y and Z
The work and personal characteristics of the different generations are not hard and fast definitions, but useful as a starting point.
We shouldn’t stereotype any generation, but having insight into a particular group, gives us a starting point for better understanding and communication.
As of 2024, the following ages and birth years apply
- 9,212,640 Gen B, aged 59 to 78, born 1946 to 1965.
- 7,060,355 Gen X, 44 to 58, 1966 to 1980
- 7,926,595 Gen Y, 28 to 43, 1981 to 1996
- 6,700,000 Gen Z, 14 to 29, born 1997 to early 2010
Baby Boomers
Boomers leaving the workforce, are largely being replaced by Gen X, Y and Z and soon Alpha.
- This generation has focus, discipline and a strong work ethic
- may have strong emotional intelligence
- value health and longevity
- can be non-conforming and question authority
- have evolved to be self-sufficient with problem solving and some prefer working independently versus in teams.
- are willing to work hard and compete to reach company goals and take pride in the companies they work for, their job titles and how long they have worked for the company
- believe authority comes with experience (like seniority) and more likely to trust an older worker with years of experience versus a younger manager.
- 9,212,640 Boomers, aged 56 to 75, born 1946 to 1965.
- 7,060,355 Gen X, 41 to 55, 1966 to 1980
- 7,926,595 Gen Y, 25 to 40, 1981 to 1996
- 6,700,000 Gen Z, 9 to 24, born 1997 to early 2010
Characteristics of Gen X:
Chris DeSantis in the Fortune magazine writes; “Demands for more work-life balance that workers had not been able to make under the covenant were first implemented by Gen X entrepreneurs.”
- Born between 1966 and 1980, this group contains many entrepreneurs (dot.com) and often described as the MTV or Sandwich generation.
- Moved into management positions roles as Gen B retire.
- More diverse than previous generations, being exposed to increasing immigration and the presence of female colleagues in the workforce.
- Computer literate and a lot more, were present for the technological change from analog to digital and involved in the transition to make it happen. Examples of this include the creation of YouTube, Amazon, Wikipedia, and Google. Along with these companies and others, major shifts in how we communicate, source information and shop resulted.
- more willing to change jobs or careers to get ahead than the previous generations.
Characteristics of Gen Y
They were not born into the digital age like Gen Z, living during the transition from analogue to the digital world.
- Like Gen Z, this groups lifestyle includes technology as part of their everyday lives with many of their activities coordinated by a screen.
- They value telecommuting or working remotely with flexible hours to accommodate family and personal responsibilities. Professional development is an important need as are purposeful tasks rather than being focused on profit primarily.
- Gen Y unlike their parents Gen X, believe the world could be a better and/or different place and are ambitious to achieve their goals that reflect this.
- Gen Y are stereotyped as being narcissistic, entitled, spoilt and lazy. In 2014 they were named the me-me generation by Time Magazine.
Characteristics of Gen Z
As of 2023 they are between 13 and 27 years old and are up and coming in terms of running the show.
- Gen Z has surpassed Gen Y as the go to people for all things digital
- Are the true digital natives: from a young age, they have been exposed to the internet, social media, and mobile technology.
- Growing up in a globally connected world they are thought to have become more diverse and inclusive. The internet and social media has allowed them to learn more about other cultures, breaking news, social causes than previous generations
- According to WP Engine, “65% of Gen Z think artificial intelligence will have a positive impact and 75% believe the Internet will bring us closer together
- Gen Z are now a huge part of the world population (estimates range from 24-30%) — and their keen interest in technology makes them an increasingly influential demographic.
- “Gen Z are radically inclusive. They don’t distinguish between friends they meet online and friends in the physical world. They continually flow between communities that promote their causes by exploiting the high level of mobilization technology makes possible.”. Article By Tracy Francis and Fernanda Hoefe
- They like to get everything they want immediately apparently, a fact fostered by the digital world in which they are immersed, and their lifestyle is influenced by youtubers.
- “Virtual reality, Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Gen-Z are all maturing together.”
Alpha Generation
The latest generation Alpha was born in 2010. In 2024 the oldest will be 14, a teenager!. As per the 2021 Canadian Census there are 3,194,415 Alpha people in this group. Generation Alpha is also characterized as digital natives and a screen is central to their lifestyle..
It will be interesting to see how these generations unfold in the years ahead!
Brian
