Generation X (25-35)

Was Generation X a myth? With the benefit of hindsight it probably was. It was youth getting the social sciences workover. However, whatever you want to call it, ˜it' is getting older. Now in the 25-35 tunnel it is beginning to take on new responsibilities, and it is possibly carrying the usual social and financial baggage of partner, children, home, mortgage and school fees. But it still holds different views from its elders . While happy to put in an honest day's work for an honest day's pay, it exacts a price. It takes vacations , long-weekends and usually has an all-consuming out-of-work interest. As I explained earlier, life to the Generation X-er comes before work. Most likely, this is the employee category that will force us to make the most changes. They will want to work at home (as both partners will normally have careers) and they will want to be able to dovetail their work and leisure patterns. But we as employers will be able to meet those needs (technically we already can, it is perhaps just the company culture that might need a makeover), and in return there is no reason why we won't be respected and appreciated for that. The way to deal most easily with this group is to consult them. Notoriously, employee surveys tend to ask people en masse what they want and then try and break it down by different groups. A different approach is required here: a series of face-to-face discussions to establish ˜needs and wishes'. If you don't know what they are you can't resolve any resentments, bad feelings or pent-up desires. Better to air these things, even if you can't deliver everything that people would like.