Middle-aged and manic (35-45)

When I first used this phrase people objected. They don't now. They've become part of the category themselves and understand. The age 35-45 can be extremely stressful in good times or bad. Basically this is because it is your last chance to clamber up the ladder, if that is your goal, or to establish yourself in your professional field. At the same time your lifestyle is likely to lurch around quite a lot as you probably set up house (we can't just say ˜married' any more) with a partner, probably have children and worry about your rapidly ageing parent(s). In many ways this group is fairly acquiescent (I would hesitate to use the word grateful), because if it is in safe and secure employment there is one less thing for it to worry about. So the trick to meeting the needs of this group and creating the right cultural climate for them is to reassure and make them feel safe and needed. That phrase about ˜celebrating small victories and milestones' has never been truer. A cynical person might suggest that making a fuss over them and conscientiously acknowledging achievements is probably the best way to ensure their commitment to the business.