PROFESSIONALS BELONGING TO Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, have a critical role in the workplace in bridging other generations in a largely multigenerational workplace.
A new study from the Mather Institute based in Evanston, Illinois, USA, showed that Gen X have a critical role in bridging a multigenerational workplace. The insight comes from its latest Gen Xperience Study, which provides critical insights into Generation X’s experience in the workplace, interactions with colleagues and expectations – or lack thereof – of their employer’s wellness programs.
This means that employers should not overlook Gen X professionals as one of their important resources.
“This research comes at a pivotal time when Gen X is playing a vital role in the workplace yet feel overlooked,” said Jennifer Smith, assistant vice president, director of Mather Institute and lead of the Gen Xperience study.
“They (Gen X) are deciding now how they will age well in the next chapter of their lives while remaining with their current employers. Companies are investing in wellness programs that aren’t resonating with Gen X, a generation key to the success of their employers,” she added.
Based on findings from this year’s report, Mather Institute recommends employers to:
– Begin targeted retention strategies for Gen Xprofessionals;
– Provide fair and transparent advancement opportunities;
– Support their current “sandwich generation” life stage needs; and
– Value the role Gen X plays between younger and older colleagues.
“The study shows how Gen X is uniquely able to understand workplace dynamics across all generations – and how younger and older employees are more alike than stereotypes suggest,” said Mather Chief People Officer Dominice LaPorte.
“Employers should recognize the value of this unique generation, which has successfully adapted to rapid social and technological changes and brings untapped potential to the workplace,” she added.
GEN X STAY LONGER WITH EMPLOYERS
Compared to employees from other generations, more Gen X employees (38 percent) intend to stay with their current employer for more than 10 years.
Gen Xers are less likely to participate in workplace wellness programs than younger generations. Approximately 61 percent of Millennials and 59 percentGen Zers are more likely to change jobs if their personal wellness went unsupported in the workplace compared to 41 percent of Gen Xers.
Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1941 that is dedicated to a vision of changing the way society views aging. Mather creates Ways to Age Well through programs, places and residences for today’s older adults.
