Working with multiple generations in the workplace: Generation X

Gen Xers is another name for the Generation X. This generation was born between 1965-1980 (Wiedmer, 2015). Gen Xers may be viewed as a little pampered as many of them gave birth to the next generation to be discussed, Generation Y/Millennials. This generation had to learn to be independent because their parents (Baby Boomers) were always working, therefore this generation can also be considered strong-willed. The Gen Xers survived major events that influenced their cultural and societal views such as the Women’s Liberation Movement, the rise of the first personal computer, AIDS, The Challenger disaster, the Fall of the berlin Wall, and the Rodney King beating (Clark, 2017). Gen Xers represent 34% or 52.7 million of the workforce today (Fry, 2015). The Gen Xers are self-taught individuals who do not want nor need much guidance and do not want to be micromanaged. Gen Xers need to be able to set their own schedule and they can be trusted to adhere to it. Because of their independent upbringing Gen Xers aren’t going to work long hours for status and more money; they cherish and take pride in creating their work/life balance (Wiedmer, 2015). Gen Xers want to travel and explore the world, take their children to see different cultures, and create experiences. Gen Xers will report less enthusiasm to work overtime than Baby Boomers and Generation Y (Clark, 2017). Gen Xers are also very independent. They want to be considered and seen as self-reliant, multi-taskers, flexible, and more open-minded than Baby Boomers (Wiedmer, 2015). Gen Xers also like to gain new skills to better market themselves, therefore they are less loyal to their employer and more loyal to accomplishing their final goal in life. They desire to build portable careers by exploring multiple employment opportunities and changing jobs periodically (Wiedmer, 2015). Organizations need Gen Xers to keep them on their toes.

Clark, K. R. (2017). Managing Multiple Generations in the Workplace. Radiologic            Technology, 88(4), 379-398

Fry R. (2015).  Millennials surpass Gen Xers as the largest generation in U.S. labor force. Pew

Research Center website. http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2015/05/11/ millennials-surpass-gen-xers-as-the-largest-generation-in- u-s-labor-force. Published May 11, 2015

Wiedmer T. (2015). Generations do differ: best practices in leading traditionalists, boomers, and

generations X, Y, and Z. Delta Kappa Gamma Bull. 2015;82(1):51-58