Engaging the Five Generations in the Workforce: Generation X

The business environment is constantly evolving. With each passing year, business leaders must be able to adapt to change in order to maintain relevancy in their fields. One change that impacts all aspects of business, however, isn’t from an outside source, but rather from an inside development.

Currently, there are five generations in the workforce. That’s five different groups with five different ways of communicating. Five different views on work-life balance, and five completely different tactics needed for retention and engagement.

We’ve already met the Traditionalists and the Baby Boomers. Now, it’s time to check in with Generation X.

Key takeaways
The Latchkey generation, Gen Xers grew up seeing their parents devote much of their lives to work, so they are devoted to work-life balance. They don’t want work to cut into their lives. Adaptable, tech-savvy, and not limited to authority, this generation feels confident moving forward with projects, taking on challenges with a great deal of freedom, and working autonomously. They believe in competency, earned respect, and the idea that fewer rules and flexibility foster creativity. Gen Xers are driven by work-life balance. Don’t micromanage, talk too much, or treat them as slackers. Do give them feedback, help with social skills, and groom them for management.

Faces of Change
As the workplace evolves, leaders need to evolve with it. It’s critical to understand each generation’s wants, needs, and expectations and how organizations engage with each group. The five different generations all bring their own challenges, but also offer incredible skills that will assist in the overall success of your business.

To help address this challenge, Express Employment Professionals developed the Faces of Change training program that is intended to shed light on the different generations and a few best practices to manage them. For more information, visit ExpressPros.com.

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