An executive survey released today by the Futurestep division of Korn Ferry (NYSE:KFY), the preeminent global people and organisational advisory firm, reveals the heads down, get-the-job-done attitudes and priorities of Gen X employees (born 1965-1980).
When asked which generation is the most engaged in the workforce, more than half of respondents (52 percent) said Generation X. Baby Boomers and Millennials were tied at just under 25 percent.
“While members of each generation are critical to the workforce and their diversity of thought brings new ideas and insights to companies, organisational leaders would benefit by harnessing and rewarding the hard-work habits of Gen Xers,” said Andrea Wolf, Futurestep’s North American Practice Leader, Human Resources.
The survey found that the largest number of respondents (39 percent) say that the “ability to make a difference in their organisation” is most important to Gen Xers in the workplace. That’s nearly double the percentage that cite “job stability” or “development opportunities.”
Nearly 50 percent of respondents said that “the ability to make an impact on the business” is the top reason why a Gen Xer would choose one job over another. When asked why they would stay on the job, 41 percent said “a sense of pride in their work” with “financial stability” coming in second and “organisational culture” coming in third.
“We find that generally speaking, Gen Xers have different priorities in the workplace than their younger millennial colleagues, who usually place much higher priority on the culture and vision of companies for which they work,” said Wolf. “Gen Xers tend to focus less on the environment around them and more on accomplishing their work goals and contributing to the success of the business. As a result companies need to value their ideas and opinions and give them a voice.”
When asked which benefits are most important to Gen Xers, the top answer was “pay and bonuses” at nearly 50 percent. Only 25 percent said “paid time off.”
“Talk to a Gen Xer about his or her vacation, and they’ll say they’re too busy to take one, or they had to cut it short because of work,” said Wolf. “Employers may want to consider rewards other than extended vacation time to attract and retain this group.”
When asked which generation receives the most attention in the workplace, nearly 60 percent of respondents cited millennials. However, results suggest that doesn’t matter much to Gen Xers, as only 15 percent of respondents said being recognised for their contributions was a top priority.
“To increase productivity and quality, one needs to understand generational characteristics and learn how to use them effectively in dealing with each individual,” said Wolf. “One of the best approaches for Gen Xers is to give the tools and resources they need to do their jobs well.”
About the survey
There were 1,070 responses to the global survey, which took place from Jan. 25 through Feb. 2, 2016. Full results are as follows:
What matters most to Gen X employees (born 1965-1980)
- Job stability - 16 percent
- Income - 8 percent
- Promotion opportunity - 7 percent
- Ability to make a difference in the organisation - 39 percent
- Development opportunities - 15 percent
- Being recognised for their contributions - 15 percent
What benefits are most important to Gen X employees (born 1965-1980)
- Retirement plans - 19 percent
- Medical plans - 8 percent
- Pay/bonuses - 48 percent
- Paid time off - 25 percent
What makes a Gen Xer stay in a job (born 1965-1980)
- Fear they won’t find anything better - 7 percent
- Financial stability - 24 percent
- Have a sense of pride in their work - 41 percent
- Income - 5 percent
- Company culture - 23 percent
What makes a Gen Xer choose one job over another (born 1965-1980)?
- Belief in the reputation and vision of the organisation - 31 percent
- Income/benefits - 10 percent
- Stable company/small chance for layoffs - 5 percent
- Ability to make an impact on the business - 48 percent
- Flexibility - 6 percent
On average, what generation do you believe is most engaged in the workforce?
- Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964) - 23 percent
- Gen X (born 1965-1980) - 52 percent
- Millennial (born 1981-1995) - 23 percent
- Gen Z (born after 1995) - 2 percent
What generation gets the most attention in the workplace?
- Baby boomers (born 1946-1964) - 4 percent
- Gen X (born 1965-1980) - 27 percent
- Millennial (born 1981-1995) - 58 percent
- Gen Z (born after 1995) - 11 percent
