Currently, the demographics of the labor force span four generations. These generations are the Mature/World War II Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y/Millennials. In addition to the many differences among individuals within generational cohorts, organizations must contend with differences between generations, such as in core attitudes toward work. Technology has also changed the work environment and influenced job performance, communication, and office dynamics. A multigenerational labor force has important implications for organizations concerning diverse perspectives, priorities, and work styles.1
The Four Generations in the United States and Canada in the Workforce
- Mature/World War II Generation (Workers born before 1946) 2
- Baby Boomers (1946 – 1965) 3
- Generation X (1966 – 1980) 4
- Generation Y/Millennials (1981 – 2000) 5
These generation labels are primarily used in the United States and Canada. Other regions throughout the world use some of these labels, though the ages of their members of these groups tend to differ.
Overview of the Generations
This section describes the state of each generation within the workforce as well as characteristics – and common stereotypes (which are not always true) – of generation members.
| Mature/World War II Generation | Members of the Mature/WWII Generation (born before 1946) are 67 years or older. Although most members have retired from the labor force, they comprise a wealth of valuable knowledge and experience. Many believe this generation views work as an obligation: they respect authority, take rational approaches, and produce quality work.6 |
| Baby Boomers | Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1965) are approximately between the ages of 47 and 66. The older members have begun to retire from the labor force. This generation occupies most of the senior-level management roles. They are often stereotyped as extremely focused on work, and they possess a strong work ethic and desire recognition for their efforts.7 |
| Generation X | Generation X (born between 1966 and 1980) is approximately between the ages of 32 and 46. The oldest members could be entering senior-level management roles while the younger members entering/approaching mid-career and senior-level supervisory roles.8 Many members of Generation X embrace diversity9 and entrepreneurship.10 |
| Generation Y/Millennial | Generation Y or the Millennials (born between 1981 and 2000) are approximately between the ages of 12 and 31. The older members are in the labor force while the younger members are still completing their formal education. This generation is known for being optimistic and goal-oriented: they are known for enjoying collaboration and multitasking, are comfortable embracing emerging technologies, and appreciate meaningful work.11 |
Canada
Population
- As of 2011, Canada’s total population was 34,482,779.12
- The median age as of May 2012 is 41 years.13
- The breakdown of the Canadian population by generation is:
Labour Force
- In March 2012, there were 17,148,200 people in the Canadian Labour Force (ages 15 and older).18
- Total labor force participation by generation:
United States
Population
- As of May 1, 2012, U.S. total population: 313,465,023.23
- In 2010, the median age was 37.2.24
- The approximate number of people by generation as of 2010:25*?
Labor Force
- As of March 2012, there were 154,316,000 people in the civilian labor force.30
- Total approximate labor force participation by generation:
*Note: Total number does not add up to 100%; while there might be members of other generations in this workforce, this Quick Take is focusing on these four dominant generations in the workforce.
±Note: Includes those of workplace age (i.e., does not include children)
ΣNote: For the purposes of ease with age in this Quick Take, for U.S., the ages were, at time of data collection: 66 and older for Mature/WWII, 46-65 for Baby Boomers, 31-45 for Generation Xers, and 11-30 for Generation Y/Millenials. This is based on 2011 population.
How to cite this product: Catalyst. Catalyst Quick Take: Generations in the Workplace in the United States & Canada. New York: Catalyst, 2012.
- 1. AARP, Leading a Multigenerational Workforce (2007); Deloitte, Flexibility and Choice: What Business Leaders Need to Know to Connect Across Generations in the Workplace (2006); Notter Consulting, Why Generations Matter, and Why They Don’t: The Business Realities of Diversity in the Workplace (2005).
- 2. Depending on the source, the names and the dates born of the generations tends to vary; one study cites Baby Boomers being born 1945-1964, Generation X 1965-1979, and Generation Y 1980-1991 (Conference Board of Canada, Winning the Generation Wars: Making the Most of Generational Differences and Similiarities in the Workplace (2009).); another study cited Generation Xers as born between 1965-1976 and Millennials between 1977 and 1998 (Diane Thielfoldt and Devon Scheef, "Generation X and The Millennials: What You Need to Know About Mentoring the New Generations", ABA (2004); while another date range is 1943-1960 as birthyears for Baby Boomers, 1961-1981 birthyears for Generation X, and those born from 1982 on for Generation Y (Steff Gelston , "Gen Y, Gen X and the Baby Boomers: Workplace Generation Wars," CIO (January 30, 2008).
- 3. Depending on the source, the names and the dates born of the generations tends to vary; one study cites Baby Boomers being born 1945-1964, Generation X 1965-1979, and Generation Y 1980-1991 (Conference Board of Canada, Winning the Generation Wars: Making the Most of Generational Differences and Similiarities in the Workplace (2009).); another study cited Generation Xers as born between 1965-1976 and Millennials between 1977 and 1998 (Diane Thielfoldt and Devon Scheef, "Generation X and The Millennials: What You Need to Know About Mentoring the New Generations", ABA (2004); while another date range is 1943-1960 as birthyears for Baby Boomers, 1961-1981 birthyears for Generation X, and those born from 1982 on for Generation Y (Steff Gelston , "Gen Y, Gen X and the Baby Boomers: Workplace Generation Wars," CIO (January 30, 2008).
- 4. Depending on the source, the names and the dates born of the generations tends to vary; one study cites Baby Boomers being born 1945-1964, Generation X 1965-1979, and Generation Y 1980-1991 (Conference Board of Canada, Winning the Generation Wars: Making the Most of Generational Differences and Similiarities in the Workplace (2009).); another study cited Generation Xers as born between 1965-1976 and Millennials between 1977 and 1998 (Diane Thielfoldt and Devon Scheef, "Generation X and The Millennials: What You Need to Know About Mentoring the New Generations", ABA (2004); while another date range is 1943-1960 as birthyears for Baby Boomers, 1961-1981 birthyears for Generation X, and those born from 1982 on for Generation Y (Steff Gelston , "Gen Y, Gen X and the Baby Boomers: Workplace Generation Wars," CIO (January 30, 2008).
- 5. Depending on the source, the names and the dates born of the generations tends to vary; one study cites Baby Boomers being born 1945-1964, Generation X 1965-1979, and Generation Y 1980-1991 (Conference Board of Canada, Winning the Generation Wars: Making the Most of Generational Differences and Similiarities in the Workplace (2009).); another study cited Generation Xers as born between 1965-1976 and Millennials between 1977 and 1998 (Diane Thielfoldt and Devon Scheef, "Generation X and The Millennials: What You Need to Know About Mentoring the New Generations", ABA (2004); while another date range is 1943-1960 as birthyears for Baby Boomers, 1961-1981 birthyears for Generation X, and those born from 1982 on for Generation Y (Steff Gelston , "Gen Y, Gen X and the Baby Boomers: Workplace Generation Wars," CIO (January 30, 2008).
- 6. AARP, Leading a Multigenerational Workforce (2007).
- 7. Notter Consulting, Why Generations Matter, and Why They Don’t: The Business Realities of Diversity in the Workplace (2005).
- 8. Tammy Erickson, "Finally Gen X Takes Over," Harvard Business Online (January 11, 2009).
- 9. Elizabeth Foley and Adrienne LeFevre, "Understanding Generation X" (2001).
- 10. Michael Muetzel, "The Next Generation (X) of Managers."
- 11. Deloitte, Generation Y: Powerhouse of the Global Economy (2009). Hewitt Associates, The Millennials: Why this Generation Will Challenge the Workplace Like No Other (2008).
- 12. Statistics Canada, "Table 051-0001: Estimates of Population, by Age Group and Sex for July 1, Canada, Provinces and Territories, Annual (Persons Unless Noted Otherwise)" (2011).
- 13. Central Intelligence Agency, "Median Age: Years," World Factbook (2012).
- 14. Statistics Canada, "Table 051-0001: Estimates of Population, by Age Group and Sex for July 1, Canada, Provinces and Territories, Annual (Persons Unless Noted Otherwise)" (2011).
- 15. Statistics Canada, "Table 051-0001: Estimates of Population, by Age Group and Sex for July 1, Canada, Provinces and Territories, Annual (Persons Unless Noted Otherwise)" (2011).
- 16. Statistics Canada, "Table 051-0001: Estimates of Population, by Age Group and Sex for July 1, Canada, Provinces and Territories, Annual (Persons Unless Noted Otherwise)" (2011).
- 17. Statistics Canada, "Table 051-0001: Estimates of Population, by Age Group and Sex for July 1, Canada, Provinces and Territories, Annual (Persons Unless Noted Otherwise)" (2011).
- 18. Statistics Canada, "Table 282-0001: Labour Force Characteristics by Sex and Detailed Age Group, Unadjusted for Seasonality, Monthly (Persons x 1,000)," Labour Force Survey (May 2012).
- 19. Statistics Canada, "Table 282-0001: Labour Force Characteristics by Sex and Detailed Age Group, Unadjusted for Seasonality, Monthly (Persons x 1,000)," Labour Force Survey (May 2012).
- 20. Statistics Canada, "Table 282-0001: Labour Force Characteristics by Sex and Detailed Age Group, Unadjusted for Seasonality, Monthly (Persons x 1,000)," Labour Force Survey (May 2012).
- 21. Statistics Canada, "Table 282-0001: Labour Force Characteristics by Sex and Detailed Age Group, Unadjusted for Seasonality, Monthly (Persons x 1,000)," Labour Force Survey (May 2012).
- 22. Statistics Canada, "Table 282-0001: Labour Force Characteristics by Sex and Detailed Age Group, Unadjusted for Seasonality, Monthly (Persons x 1,000)," Labour Force Survey (May 2012).
- 23. United States Census Bureau, "American Fact Finder: U.S. Population Clock" (May 1, 2012).
- 24. United States Census Bureau, "2010 Census Briefs – Age and Sex Composition: 2010, Figure 4" (2011).
- 25. United States Census Bureau, "2010 Census Briefs – Age and Sex Composition: 2010, Table 2" (2011).
- 26. United States Census Bureau, "2010 Census Briefs – Age and Sex Composition: 2010, Table 2" (2011).
- 27. United States Census Bureau, "2010 Census Briefs – Age and Sex Composition: 2010, Table 2" (2011).
- 28. United States Census Bureau, "2010 Census Briefs – Age and Sex Composition: 2010, Table 2" (2011).
- 29. United States Census Bureau, "2010 Census Briefs – Age and Sex Composition: 2010, Table 2" (2011).
- 30. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Household Data, Not Seasonally Adjusted: Table A-13: Employment Status of the Civilian Noninstitutional Population by Age, Sex, and Race" (2012).
- 31. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Household Data, Not Seasonally Adjusted: Table A-13: Employment Status of the Civilian Noninstitutional Population by Age, Sex, and Race" (2012).
- 32. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Household Data, Not Seasonally Adjusted: Table A-13: Employment Status of the Civilian Noninstitutional Population by Age, Sex, and Race" (2012).
- 33. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Household Data, Not Seasonally Adjusted: Table A-13: Employment Status of the Civilian Noninstitutional Population by Age, Sex, and Race" (2012).
- 34. Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Household Data, Not Seasonally Adjusted: Table A-13: Employment Status of the Civilian Noninstitutional Population by Age, Sex, and Race" (2012).
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