In recent years, organizations have become increasingly concerned with building a motivating, purpose-driven work environment for Generation Z members, closely followed by Millennials. Given the global context we find ourselves in, characterized by instability, an aging population, and new trends related to what we want from the workplace, this focus on the newer generations is easy to understand. However, Generation X remains an essential pillar of the labor market. This generation, born between 1965 and 1980, brings with it rich experience, a pragmatic attitude firmly anchored in the varied and almost cyclical economic realities they have gone through, and a desire for continuous professional and personal development.
Mirror characteristics
A large part of Generation X has experienced economic crises (the 2008 financial crisis), technological advances (Web 2.0, the emergence of social networks), and paradigm shifts in the business landscape (the uberization of many services), gaining an understanding and experience that is hard to match. These traits give them a perspective that can be irreplaceable in decision-making processes or critical business processes.
Generation Z has a pronounced focus on social and environmental inequality issues. They are activists on issues such as global warming, diversity and inclusion, mental health, and human rights. They highly value workplaces and companies that demonstrate business ethics, and they get involved in social responsibility projects that also give them the opportunity to have a positive impact on society.
Among Generation X's main traits is a strong work ethic. Most became employed for the first time during a period of prosperity, but they experienced major economic crises along the way and are known for their resilience, creativity, and adaptability in achieving their goals. Their commitment to their careers is a positive example that often contributes to the productivity and stability exemplified by various organizations.
Generation Z values independence and sees entrepreneurship as their first career opportunity. They grew up surrounded by an economic reality of "projects" rather than "jobs" and are used to working part-time or on a project basis while dedicating themselves to their passions and values. In the workplace, they prefer flexibility and autonomy and look for growth opportunities, sometimes tending to skip stages. They want to experiment with new ideas and see them implemented quickly, and they don't feel comfortable in work environments with well-established hierarchies or a lot of micromanagement.
Generation X grew up in a period when the internet and social networks were not widely used. As a result, they tend to be more demanding consumers of information and more skilled critical thinkers. They use more elaborate processes when evaluating information, synthesizing complex ideas, and are used to making informed decisions.
Generation Z strongly values authenticity and transparency in interactions. Having grown up in the social media era, they have developed a strong sense for spotting inconsistencies in communication and avoid situations and people that seem deceptive. In the workplace, they appreciate honesty, open dialogue, feedback, and clearly communicated expectations.
Generation X has a very high level of resilience and is able to juggle multiple responsibilities, beyond the natural understanding of the concept of multitasking. Specialized literature often calls them the "sandwich generation" because they are the first generation to take care of their children while also caring for their aging parents.
Generation Z prioritizes wellbeing alongside career advancement. Having witnessed the effects of overwork and burnout on the generations before them, they are eager to avoid such situations. In the office, they promote efficiency, productivity, and good time management, and they look for jobs that offer flexible schedules, remote work options, wellbeing programs, and mental health support.
Generation X is anchored in both worlds – analog and digital. Older generations may not have the flexibility to keep pace with all the changes, in terms of technology and concepts we operate with daily, while younger generations may not understand how things came to be the way they know them – socially, technologically, economically.
Born into a digital environment, Gen Z has been surrounded by technology since childhood. They favor using an app or a platform for almost everything – communication, learning, entertainment. They adapt quickly to any new technology and are eager to continuously develop their digital skills. Their expectation from a workplace is that it will automatically incorporate digital work and collaboration tools, modern technologies, and constant investment in developing digital skills.
The motivating work environment – what it means for each
For Generation X and Millennials, numerous studies have been conducted both nationally and globally, highlighting preferences related to the work environment.
However, when we talk about a mix of employees from all generations, the solutions can be varied or seemingly contradictory.
That is precisely why, to be sure which are the most relevant, we launched a national survey inviting all employees who are part of Generation X (b. 1965 – 1980) to express their views on what motivates them, what constitutes a pleasant work environment, what gives them balance between personal and professional life, and how organizations handle all these elements.
The survey can be found on the Marco Polo website and is accessible HERE
The results will later be published in the form of an e-book addressing the different needs for learning programs.
Conclusion
The programs we have run over time show us that generational differences are barriers only in theory. In reality, these very differences and the way they are harmonized and leveraged play a crucial role in the success of modern organizations.
As we always welcome new perspectives, we invite each of you to respond to the survey and help us find out concretely how we can build together a work environment relevant to every generation.
Article published on the HR Club portal, on May 7, 2024