How to Manage Generation X in the Workplace
Each generation in today’s workforce has different communication styles, values, and leadership preferences based on the culture they grew up in.
In this blog, we’ll cover the following strategies for managing Gen X in the workplace:
10 Generation X Characteristics in the Workplace
Gen Xers are the generation born between 1965 and 1980. Watching their parents work hard and long while often remaining loyal to one company, these latch key kids seek employers that give them a healthy work-life balance.
To manage this group of employees successfully, here are 10 Gen X characteristics that sum up how they operate in the workplace:
- They’re self-sufficient, results-oriented, and hard-working.
- They’re entrepreneurial, educated, independent thinkers.
- They value diversity, challenges, and responsibility.
- They enjoy creative input.
- They embrace technology and social media.
- They dislike being micromanaged and prefer a hands-off management style.
- They work to live rather than live to work.
- They value constructive feedback and prefer to receive it in the form of coaching.
- They’re more willing to change jobs to get ahead than previous generations.
- They’re ambitious and eager to learn new skills.
Tips for Managing Generation X in the Workplace
More and more millennials, the largest generation in the U.S. labor force, are supervising older employees every day. By using the following leadership and management best practices, you can keep Gen X employees satisfied and motivated:
Be Flexible
Gen Xers demonstrate that flexibility is essential in the workplace. They know how to get things done without relying on sophisticated technology and value their time. Unlike their younger counterparts who are lost without the internet, Generation X uses downtime to be productive in other ways. From unexpected meetings to distraction-free writing, they know how to make the most of any situation. To support their need for flexibility, allow your Gen X employees to decide how to make the most of their downtime, whether it’s scheduling an impromptu meeting or writing offline.
Allow for Time Management
Gen Xers have the skills and knowledge to strategically manage their workload using a mix of traditional and new media. By giving them control, Gen X employees feel empowered to excel and deliver exceptional results. You’ll be amazed at how they can optimize their work schedules to enhance efficiency and productivity, setting a benchmark for other employees to follow.
Let Them Work Independently
According to research, Gen Xers thrive when given the freedom to work independently. They believe it boosts efficiency, speed, and innovation, so why not give them the freedom they crave? Instead of forcing them into unnecessary pairings, allow your Gen X employees to accomplish tasks on their own. They’ll appreciate the autonomy and deliver their best work.
Avoid Long Hours
Gen Xers are known for their workaholic tendencies, going above and beyond to get the job done. However, research shows that constantly pushing them to work long hours can actually backfire. Instead, focus on the quality of work and effective time management rather than the number of hours clocked in, and encourage your Gen X employees to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
Consider Remote Work Opportunities
While millennials may seem to dominate the marriage and parenting scene, it’s actually Generation X that’s juggling it all. As they navigate second marriages, aging parents, college-bound kids, and even becoming grandparents, Gen Xers are squeezed tighter than ever before. But by making a few adjustments to your PTO policies and offering flexible work arrangements, you can provide your Gen X employees with the time they need to attend to family matters. Whether it’s caring for a sick parent or celebrating a child’s graduation, granting reasonable time off shows that you understand their needs and value their commitment.
Let Them Come to You
Generation X is challenging the status quo when it comes to feedback. This independent, self-sufficient generation prefers to seek advice only when they need it, so bombarding them with feedback might actually be off-putting. Instead, wait for your Gen X employees to come to you when they’re ready for assistance. By giving them the freedom to seek advice on their own terms, you’ll build a better relationship and gain their respect.
Allow Them to Help You Bridge Gaps
Baby boomers and millennials may not always see eye to eye, but Gen Xers, sitting on the cusp of these two generations, bring a unique perspective that bridges the gap between them. By allowing Gen Xers to help ease tensions and improve communication, you can help boomers understand the fast-paced skimmers of the millennial world while aiding millennials in understanding the importance of going in-depth in certain areas.
Since many boomers are still transitioning into retirement, they’re a unique older generation to manage. Check out our blog here for more information on how to manage baby boomers in the workplace.
Communicate Clearly
Known for their resourcefulness and ability to get things done without constant hand-holding, Gen Xers won’t bombard you with questions; instead, they’ll dive right into the task at hand. To ensure they’re on the right track and using their time wisely, it’s essential to provide Gen X employees with clear instructions and bullet points in a follow-up email.
Encourage Solutions
Baby boomers and millennials may not always see eye to eye, but Gen Xers, sitting on the cusp of these two generations, bring a unique perspective that bridges the gap between them. By allowing Gen Xers to help ease tensions and improve communication, you can help boomers understand the fast-paced skimmers of the millennial world while aiding millennials in understanding the importance of going in-depth in certain areas.
Provide Structure
Gen X employees actually appreciate hierarchy and thrive in a structured work environment. To manage this generation successfully, provide your Gen X employees with the structure and consistency they appreciate.
Key Takeaways
Bridging the gap between Gen Xer team members and younger generation managers isn’t easy, but with the right management skills, your younger leaders and older team members can work together seamlessly.
At AAIM Employers’ Association, we’ve successfully developed more than 15,000 people annually with our management training courses. We’re known for developing people for performance and growth with our private training programs that focus on themes in generational approaches. With our training session, you can provide younger leaders with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully manage Gen Xers in today’s workforce. Contact us to schedule your training session today.
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