Working with Generation X

Insight, the magazine of the Illinois CPA Society, discusses management’s need to understand the work attitudes of younger generations. 

Generation X (born between 1965 and 1981) puts life above work. But they are creative and have excellent technological skills. They are cynical towards their employers, having grown up in an era of corporate and government deception. Loyalty, either to or from the firm, is not an important feature in their careers.

The millennial generation (born 1982 and after) grew up in a more nurturing environment where parents devoted themselves to family. They are good team members and have hopeful attitudes. But are they strong enough?

Generation X employees are highly self-sufficient and focused on results. They are good at multi-tasking. Millenials are more security-focused. They are adaptable, systematized,  and have ambitious goals.

For both groups, learning is important and firms should provide for this. They do not tolerate micromanagement very well. They want to see how their work affects the firm’s overall performance. Appraising their personal performance on a job-by-job basis is important and they want candid feedback. 

For more, see Insight, January/February 2005 available at http://www.insight-mag.com/insight/05/01-02/col-2-pt-1-HireLearning.asp