The Generation Xers were born between 1965 and 1980 and comprise approximately 46 million of the nation’s employees. They have grown up in an era of technology with cable television, cell phones, laptop computers and video games, which serves to drive their expectation of immediacy.
Whereas the Baby Boomers saw the future as theirs, this generation finds the future disheartening and, after events such as September 11, 2001, question if they even have a future. This generation typically has little trust in the system and offers little or no loyalty to employers. In a work environment, they want training that enhances their skills and portability of benefits like 401Ks that can be taken elsewhere. This generation has seen scandal affect every institution from the stock market to the presidency. During their childhood, the divorce rate tripled and many of them were “latchkey kids” left to fend for themselves while their parents worked. Many filled their time alone time with computers and televisions. Although they became techno literate, they were not often involved in group activities, and “people skills” are lacking. They seem to be drawn to informality and fun, while not being impressed by titles and hierarchies. Their approach to work is one of balance: they see work as a means to an end and not an end in and of itself.
"Gen Xers learned independence early in life and turned it into a valuable hallmark as they progressed in the working world. Just as Gen Xers were about to hit the workforce to make their mark in the world, the economic decline at the end of the 1980s occurred. Suddenly the future looked crowded. Competition for jobs was tight. The American Dream had changed. For the first time in history, this generation was being told they would not be able to replicate the lifestyles of their Baby Boomer cousins and parents. Ungraciously dubbed the “boomerang generation,” many Gen Xers were forced to move back in with parents while in their 20s." (CookRoss, 2004.)
References:
Lancaster, L. & Stillman, D., “When Generations Collide: Why They Are. Why They Clash. How to Solve the Generational Puzzle at Work,” Harper Collins, 2002
Learner, N., “When Generations Meet on the Job,” The Christian Science Monitor, 2002,
http://www.scmonitor.com, p. 20
(No Author given), “Managing a Multigenerational Workforce, The Diversity Manager’s Toolkit,” 2004, Cook Ross, Inc.
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