Solving For X: Create Nurturing Work Environments for Different Generations

Solving for X isn’t about math anymore. It’s about finding a place for both Generation X and the millennials—two very different groups that hold the key for businesses to achieve true greatness.

Traditionally, millennials are viewed as adaptable, technologically savvy, creators and challengers of the status quo. Experience shows this to be true; millennial employees, born between 1981 and 2000, are optimistic, confident, social and diverse. 

However, it’s time for businesses to shift their focus to Generation Xers, those between the ages of 37 and 51. This group holds the key to bridging businesses from where they are today to where they’ll need to be in the future.

Generation Xers make up the lowest percentage of the workforce in the United States: There are 46 million Gen Xers, compared to 78 million baby boomers and 70 million millennials. Despite their lower numbers, they are absolutely critical to the workforce and the economy. They possess the skills, knowledge and strong work ethic companies need to gain a competitive advantage. Most Gen Xers are approaching the prime of their lives and careers: They have families of their own, good salaries and the soft skills necessary to be executive leaders in today’s fast-changing world. 

But here’s the catch. While most Gen Xers are comfortable with technology, they weren’t born with microchips in their DNA like the millennials who have been accustomed to using computers, tablets and other gadgets their entire lives. Despite the differences and advantages of each generation, one thing they have in common is that out of all the generations, millennials and Generation Xers will be working side by side for a longer period of time. With this in mind, Generation Xers must come to terms with the surge of millennials in the workforce today. 

So, how can organizations set up this critically important and experienced workforce for long-term success? 

Learn to Appreciate and Respect the Role Gen Xers Can Play in an Organization

Employers must promote loyalty and recognize the value a more seasoned workforce brings to their organizations. It’s time for businesses to take Gen Xers more seriously; otherwise, they could potentially lose these critical workers to competitors that recognize the value of their contributions and leadership. 

Provide Leadership and Technology Training

Businesses must make a real commitment to providing training in technology and leadership development so everyone has the tools to compete in this dynamic and competitive information age. Sophisticated hard-skills training will be the secret sauce that separates the truly great organizations from all the rest.

Foster Reverse Mentoring

It’s important that businesses not view millennials and Gen Xers as adversaries in the workplace. There is great potential for more symbiotic mentoring between the two workforces (and the baby boomers as well). Businesses should focus on the common ground between various generations and find creative ways to foster reverse mentoring to train their people and build stronger, more collaborative relationships across their organizations.  

Show, Don’t Tell, the Advantages of Investing in Innovation

Before Gen Xers and baby boomers fully adopt new technologies, they need proof those technologies will have a positive impact on them professionally and will create real value for their clients. They will not blindly pledge their allegiance to new technologies without first seeing empirical evidence that demonstrate their worth. Big data and metrics must be the foundation of innovation and change in any organization, and data can be the key to persuading Gen Xers and baby boomers there will be a significant return on investment in innovation that will greatly benefit their careers and organizations. 

Companies that successfully “solve for X” will win the day. Organizations that provide nurturing working environments and training opportunities that allow Gen Xers and millennials to grow professionally together will not only survive, but thrive, and will become a force for positive change in business and beyond.