While workplace wellbeing programmes are often associated with the millennial generation, in reality an organisation’s workforce is a combination of a multitude of generations. With this diversity comes a diverse set of wellbeing objectives. Generation X, those born between the years of approximately 1965 and 1979, whether in entry-level positions or leadership roles, is no exception to this.
We can say the same for employee wellbeing programmes. Many modern wellness programmes attract emerging talent in the competitive hiring environment that currently exists in Ireland. It is also important to factor in the wellbeing and health of the minority, such as Gen X, that are within our employ. So, what improvements can be made for Generation X in the workplace?
What is Generation X?
Generation X, also known as Gen X, refers to the demographic cohort born between the mid-1960s and the early 1980s, following the Baby Boomers and preceding the Millennials. While there is no universally agreed-upon range of birth years for this generation, most researchers and demographers define Gen X as those born between 1965 and 1980.
Generation X is generally characterized by its smaller size compared to the Baby Boomer and Millennial generations, which has led to its nickname as the “sandwich” or “middle child” generation.
Growing up during a period of economic uncertainty, political upheaval, and rapid technological advancements, Gen Xers have developed a strong sense of adaptability and resilience. In the workplace, Generation X is known for its strong work ethic, pragmatism, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Gen Xers tend to prioritize work-life balance and value flexibility, having witnessed the effects of job insecurity and corporate downsizing on their parents. They are often described as technologically adept, being the first generation to grow up with personal computers and the internet, which has allowed them to bridge the gap between the analog Baby Boomers and the digital-native Millennials.
The 9 Common Characteristics of Generation X
It is important to understand the characteristics that formulate the values of a demographic in order to determine the wants and needs of said demographic in the workplace. The success of a wellbeing or wellness programme specialising in Generation X and the workplace depends on many factors, one of which is that it is tailored to the needs and goals of each employee in the organisation. Regarding Generation X, some of these characteristics include:
1. Individualism
Generation X is independent, resourceful, and self-sufficient. They value freedom and responsibility in the workplace. Many in this generation display a casual disdain for authority and structured work hours, as well as disliking micro-management and embracing a hands-off management philosophy.
2. Technologically Adept
Gen X is the first generation to grow up with computers. While we may not consider them as “technology native” as millennials, they still weave technology into their lives. As firms and corporate departments integrate new technological tools, this generation has learned and adapted. A common characteristic of Gen X is their required comfort level with smartphones, email, laptops, tablets and other technology employed in the workplace. A report from CompTIA, concluded that the level at which an organization embraces technology in the workplace influences 66% of members of Gen X on where they decide to work!
3. Value Work/Life Balance
An important aspect of work-life balance is the time a person spends at work. Evidence suggests that long work hours may affect personal health, jeopardise their safety and increase stress. In Ireland, some 5% of employees work longer than average hours.
Unlike previous generations, those in Generation X work to live rather than live to work. Generation X appreciate the fun in the workplace and they adopt a work hard/play hard mentality. This generation’s managers may often incorporate humour and games into work activities.
Wellness programmes are most effective when they are built around research carried out before a programme is implemented within a company. This research can be conducted through surveys, interviews and focus groups to determine the needs of the diverse workforce in an organisation. It is critical to have a benchmark to measure the effectiveness of a programme before being implemented throughout a company.
Keeping this in mind, we have identified several factors that should be considered for Generation X and workplace wellbeing.
4. Flexibility
As employees get older, flexibility within the workplace is now not only a perk for some positions but a requirement for many families. It’s no longer practical to make assumptions about what a traditional family or routine looks like, and firms must ensure they can adapt to the varied needs of their team.
Based on our previous section regarding characteristics, many members of Generation X have to balance their time between children, elderly parents and working hours (potentially in that order), with 81% of Gen X citing work flexibility as a factor when evaluating a job prospect. Providing a more flexible working environment will also help attract talent as well as maximise productivity from your current people. Not everyone is productive in the same environment, during the same hours, or under the same conditions.
As it is often common practice to locate staff in different offices throughout the country/world, it is important to incorporate regional and group-based activities in a wellness programme to facilitate this desired flexibility. Zevo Health’s wellness technology gives employees the freedom to slot wellness into their lives and allows them to access their plans anytime and anywhere. The result is directly strengthened teams, development of healthy habits, and connecting employees to the company culture.
5. Resourcefulness
Resourcefulness is a key characteristic of Gen Xers, stemming from their formative experiences during times of economic uncertainty, political upheaval, and rapid technological change. This generation, often referred to as “latchkey kids,” developed a strong sense of independence and self-reliance, as they were frequently responsible for taking care of themselves and their siblings in the absence of parental supervision.
In the workplace, this resourcefulness translates into a pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset, enabling Gen Xers to adapt to changing circumstances, navigate challenges, and devise innovative solutions.
5. Physical and Nutritional Health
The health needs of Generation X differ from other generations. According to a report by CDC Gen X’s top health priority is to lose weight, compared to millennials whose top health priority is “to get more sleep and reduce stress” Employees have different wellbeing issues, so, therefore, an off-the-shelf programme will not be effective and generate the results that leaders and employees are looking for.
A wellbeing programme designed by nutritionists to educate and motivate employees on healthy eating habits can help manage more than weight. It can help to increase fitness, reduce stress and motivate employees on the benefits of healthy eating. At Zevo, our programme is an individually tailored nutritional programme that is used to monitor participants’ progress in achieving their health and weight management goals through initiatives including:
- Cookery demonstrations
- Meal Plans
- Ability to create shopping lists
- Educating on healthy eating lifestyles
- Tips to help prevent the afternoon slump
- Specific foods to give a “natural lift”
- Healthy meals & snack ideas to boost energy and focus
- Reading food labels
- Food & beverages high in added sugar
- Stress Management & Nutrition
- Nutrition for Fitness
- Fast Healthy Meals for a Busy Lifestyle
6. Emotional Health
As individuals progress in their roles, it can add increased pressure and stress to the already heavy workload and work-life balance employees may face. For example, if a member of Gen X is mentoring other employees while also trying to raise a family, it can demand and leave an individual feeling overwhelmed. Ensuring an organization’s culture enables employees to speak freely regarding mental health issues they may experience can directly promote an atmosphere of open communication and comradery, paving the way for a positive effect on the emotional well-being of the organisation.
7. Leadership and Career Progression
While Generation X may be equally capable of digital tasks as millennials, they also show mastery in leadership skills more on a par with leaders of the baby boomer generation. In fact, according to the Global Leadership Forecast, 2018 which identifies over 25,000 leaders in 54 countries, Generation X accounts for 51% of Leadership roles globally. Despite their growing influence, as well as remaining loyal employees, they are often the most overlooked generation for promotions, as well as being the slowest to advance, behind both millennials and baby boomers.
Demonstrating loyalty, a willingness to take on a heavy workload, and a powerful combination of digital and traditional leadership skills, Gen X is a pool of highly capable leaders. However, they are in danger of being overlooked, overworked, and overstressed. Organisations that want to keep and develop their Gen X leaders should use wellbeing platforms to gain insights into the wellbeing of their employees proactively, rather than reactively. Organisations should also:
- Provide leaders with more external guidance.
- Encourage leaders to challenge the workplace status quo
- Leverage the latest in wellness technology to support traditional development.
8. Hard-working
Having witnessed the struggles of their parents in the face of job insecurity and corporate downsizing, Gen Xers have cultivated a strong work ethic and a drive to succeed. Their dedication to their professional pursuits, coupled with a desire for stability and work-life balance, has shaped them into committed and responsible employees.
This determination translates into a relentless pursuit of excellence, as Gen Xers are known for their ability to persevere through challenges and deliver results. Their hardworking nature not only contributes to their individual success but also sets a positive example for other generations in the workforce, fostering a culture of diligence and high performance.
9. Reliable
Gen Xers are generally quite reliable, especially as they grew up during economic hardships and a time when the world was undergoing a tumultuous shift. Their resourcefulness and dedication to work-life balance further contribute to their reputation as dependable employees who can be counted on to fulfill their responsibilities and contribute positively to the organization.
Generation X and Workplace Wellbeing: A Conclusion
We understand that the goals and needs of employees, including those of Generation X, are ever-changing. It is important to continuously review the effect our wellbeing programmes have within the organisation. By reviewing the programme, we can identify and analyse the data that has been gathered since its adoption. The components of a company regularly change and the approach to employee wellbeing should be continuously altered. This is in order to ensure those changes are being proactively responded to.
