Unlike most baby boomers who came from two-parent families reminiscent of the “Leave it to Beaver” era, many Gen Xers grew up with a different reality. For this generation born in the 1965-1978 range, growing up in single-parent homes or homes in which both parents worked, was commonplace. As adults in the workplace, Gen Xers are savvier, more mobile, and more restless. (They’re also not afraid to seek justice should they encounter sexual harassment or discrimination on the job, which is why Employment Practices Liability insurance is essential in this day and age.) According to Entrepreneur magazine, engaging the Gen X workforce requires employers to tailor their strategies to motivate this unique group.
Gen X: The Best of Both Worlds
If you’re an employer, you may be wondering why you should feel obligated to nurture Gen X talent. The answer is simple: When comparing Gen X, Baby Boomer, and Millennial employees, Gen X employees are the most engaged. Unlike Baby Boomers who are nearing retirement and Millennials who are just starting out and job hopping, Gen X employees are at the height of their productive years. They bring to the table experience and maturity and will continue working for years or decades.
Motivating This Talent Pool is Essential
As with workers of any generation, Gen X employees want to be well compensated for a job well done. But for this generation, money is not necessarily their top motivator. (They value money because it gives them the freedom to pursue the work-life balance they crave.) The Generation X workforce does not simply want to punch a clock and collect a paycheck. These workers want to feel that they are making solid contributions to whatever organization they work for. They are ideal employees because they are passionate about helping your business succeed. How can you foster this desire? Offer competitive pay, of course, but also encourage their creativity and embrace their ideas. Do not micromanage! Offer flexibility through telecommuting or job-sharing, and deliver plenty of sincere praise when it has been earned. These are surefire ways to engage this valuable workforce.
Given the right motivation and work environment, Gen X employees bring creativity, passion, and talent to the workplace. If you’ve got a Gen X workforce, just make sure you’re protected by a solid EPLI policy. We can take care of this for you. Contact us at Newman Crane & Associates Insurance, (407) 859-3691.