Michigan Journal

Issue date: 3/11/08 Section: Perspectives

A recent study conducted by Catalyst, a nonprofit research organization for advancing women in business, surveyed over 1,200 Generation X professionals on their organizational commitment. The survey results question the assumption that Gen Xers lack commitment to their employers. When asked about their dedication to current employers, 47 percent said they would be happy to spend the rest of their career with their current employer. Furthermore, 83 percent said they really care about the fate of their current organization. Many Gen Xers would like to continue their career with one company, but their desire for variety often goes unmet by employers. Satisfy them by providing challenging projects and encourage their supervisors to serve as mentors rather than dictators.

The fact is, Gen Xers crave variety at work, and as long as they continue to receive challenging projects and work with people from whom they can learn, they're often satisfied. In their search for having fun while making money, many Xers are holding down dual careers in an effort to maximize their job satisfaction. Although many people hold down two jobs to make ends meet, Gen Xers often do it to satisfy their need for diversity and interests that can't be fulfilled with just one career. Although holding down two careers may seem overwhelming for many, it is one way Gen Xers seek a balance between making a living and doing what they enjoy. Sometimes this balance between work and life means holding down two challenging jobs, other times it means having more time away from work.

A key difference between Gen Xers and the preceding Baby Boomer generation is their desire for a work/life balance. Many members of the Baby Boomer group were all business all the time, willing to forgo hobbies or extra time with the family to dedicate more energy to climbing the corporate ladder. Generation X isn't willing to make such sacrifices, as many realize this extreme dedication to work didn't satisfy their own parents. Despite countless companies' demand that employees put in the traditional nine to five workday, Xers continue to want flexibility, and companies that offer it have a distinct recruiting advantage among this age group.

Despite growing up during the most profound economic changes since the Great Depression, studies show Gen Xers are well adjusted and socially responsible. The qualities they bring to the workplace, from their innate desire to continue learning to their knack for knowing all things technical, are already revolutionizing today's workplace.

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