The oldest Gen Xers are turning 60 in 2025 — hard to believe if you happen to be one. In My So-Called Midlife, KJZZ takes a closer look at this generation and what they’re up to — or, rather, up against.
Gen X workers are filling in the gaps left by retiring baby boomers. As they become the oldest generation in the workforce, Gen X is also having to learn how to collaborate with the latest newcomers.
As workers, Gen X is a solid bunch, according to Eric Knott, owner of Fine Point HR.
"They're hard-working," he said. "They're dedicated. They tend to be upwardly mobile. So they tend to be willing to take on more responsibility. They’ve embraced technology."
And they’re working with the youngest generation in the workforce, Gen Z, or Zoomers. Couple interesting things to note about Gen Z. Unlike some Gen Xers,
Unlike Gen X, Gen Z wants to be in the office.
"Who wants more work meetings?" chuckles Knott." And it's that younger generation wanting that face time with their peers because they get that their social skills are weaker."
But connecting with this cohort can be rough for some in Gen X.
"And then we throw up our hands and say, ‘See, they don't want to be engaged.’ They do. They just need you to pivot a little bit," Knott said.
And they need more reassurance, he says. He suggests quick, daily check-ins.
"But if you ask the boomers, they did that work on us as well. They'd be like, ‘Yeah, you guys were a mess as Gen Xers.’ So every generation is critical of the previous," Knott said.
"In fact, [Gen Z is] the first generation, over 70%, to tell Gallup they want more work meetings."Eric Knott
Here are few other things to know about Gen Zs at work, according to Knott:.
- 74% of Gen Zs tell Gallup they actually want more work meetings. Gen Zs feel isolated and know that the key to their career development is interacting with their peers and their leader in-person. While they are fine with a hybrid schedule, when they are in the office, they want to spend that time with their team members.
- 80% of Gen Zs state they specifically consider the organization's mental health support policies/practices when considering an employer. That represents a huge spike from previous generations and aligns with Gen Zs concern about mental health, wellness and work/life balance. Gen Zs are more willing to take a second paying job (think food delivery or other gig work) than Gen Ys, and Gen Zs remain committed to their career development. They understand that they're going to have to work hard at this beginning phase of their careers if they're going to have the income they're looking for later in life.
- The No. 1 reason Gen Zs leave their job is that their work is not meaningful, they don't see how it aligns with the broader purpose/impact of the organization. The second most common reason they leave is a lack of career development opportunities. Notice the absence of compensation in these top two concerns. Every other generation cites compensation as the top reason they leave their jobs.
