Generation X in the Workplace

Generation X–those born between 1965 and 1979–may be the least understood workplace population. Salt Lake City recruiters providing staffing services, temporary staffing, or recruiting in Utah will need to know what motivates this in-between generation. The Gen-X generation is stuck between old school Baby Boomers and tech savvy, innovative Millennial candidates, so recruiting professionals in Utah are going to need to understand what constitutes a perfect fit for the when it comes to employment and staffing. This generation graduated into weak job markets, middle management downsizing and multiple recessions so it’s no surprise that these events caused Gen-Xers to have a different perspective on life and work. So the question is, how do temp agencies and employment agencies throughout Utah keep the valuable Gen-Xer from feeling like the ignored middle child? Utah employment agencies and Salt Lake City staffing agencies will need to know that Gen-Xers value independence, change, flexibility, variety, communication and growth to be happily employed.

Growing up in an era where one out of every two marriages ended in divorce means many Gen-Xers grew up in single parent households. A large number of Gen-Xers came from homes where both parents were working. They were referred to as “latchkey” children, having to fend for themselves due to the lack of parental presence. So professional recruiters take note: Gen-Xers know how to be independent. This need for independence however often puts them in conflict with the Baby Boomer managers ahead of them, who tend to favor a structured, more closely supervised work environment. This puts the Generation X in conflict with Millennials too, who prefer working collaboratively and who thrive in group settings.

Gen-Xers are also in the middle when compared to their counterparts on changing jobs. Baby Boomers entered the workforce grateful to have a job that paid the bills. They rarely have more than a few jobs on their resume. The opposite is true of Millennials, who make multiple changes that can lead to dozens of positions on their list of work experience. Generation X is not against changing positions, but Utah staffing agencies need to know that they value financial security and job stability.

Changing family values have changed the way Gen-Xers view the workplace. Baby Boomers worked long hours to provide for their families. It was not uncommon for children to see very little of their fathers who were the family breadwinners. The following generation–Gen-Xers–want to spend more time with the family. As a result, recruiting firms and executive recruiters in Utah need to be aware of their desire for more flexible schedules. They put their personal life first; their professional lives provide the means to do that.

Gen-Xers are interested in equality and flexibility. They want to learn new skills in a flexible corporate structure. Keeping them doing the same thing, time after time would be detrimental to their job satisfaction. Boredom sets in and they start seeking employment elsewhere with the hope that their Salt Lake recruiter can help them realize their innovative visions.

Like Millennials, Gen-Xers were raised in the age of technology. Utah employers need to provide them with the latest and greatest technology or it will just give them another reason to check those Utah job listings.

Gen-Xers feel more successful and accomplished when problems can be discussed openly and opinions are given freely. They value organizations that encourage debate and conflicting opinions as a means of generating ideas and moving forward. Prompt feedback is also valued by this generation, so updates on projects or ideas should be given regularly.

The Gen-X population of 45 million isn’t enough to replace the 75 million Baby Boomers as they retire. Millennials who move up the corporate ladder to pick up the slack may cause Gen-Xers to feel overlooked.

Recruiting, staffing, and temp agencies in Salt Lake City and throughout Utah will need to keep these priorities in mind as they work with this generation. Help them find independence, variety, and room for growth will prove to them that they are more than just the in-between generation.