The Quick Report

10 Things Gen X Values Most in Career Opportunities

Gen Xers are hard workers. They do whatever they can to get ahead, and that’s why we made this list of 10 work-related things that appeal the most to Gen X. Read on and learn more!

Education

shallow focus photography of books
Photo by Kimberly Farmer

Gen Xers are known as one of the first generations to go to college. So when it comes to working, they value education and learning. They want to know as much as possible and learn more about their trade. Open up the workshops, books, and learning modules — Gen X is coming!

Career Growth Opportunity

woman sitting around table holding tablet
Photo by Brooke Cagle

Career growth opportunities are important to Gen X. They might not stay in their jobs as long as baby boomers do, but if they feel like there is a chance for career growth they will stay. If not, they will move on to another job that they feel has career growth opportunities.

Work-Life Balance

person cycling on bike surrounds with trees at daytime
Photo by Carl Winterbourne

Work-life balance is very important to Gen X. The flexibility to be able to take care of work and take care of home priorities is what drives them. If they feel like they can’t get this balance, then they might go look for a new job. Everyone should strive for work-life balance and Gen X is no different.

Communication and Collaboration

a group of people sitting around a table with laptops
Photo by Joao paulo m ramos paulo

Communication and collaboration are important in any workplace. It is good to know the clear goals of a team and to communicate the bigger picture of what a company is looking for. Gen X doesn’t like to be left in the dark and they like to know that they are working in a team environment. Working together to achieve goals is what makes a Gen Xer happy at work.

Meaningful Work

two women talking while looking at laptop computer
Photo by KOBU Agency

Doing meaningless work isn’t fulfilling to anyone. Gen Xers agree with this sentiment and would rather do meaningful work with a company that matches their values than work for a company that pays more but isn’t as personally fulfilling. It is important to believe in your own values and to stick up for them. No one wants to work for a shady company.

Student Loan Assistance

woman wearing academic hat standing in garden showing palm at daytime
Photo by Rochelle Nicole

Gen Xers have a great deal of student loan debt. So if you are a company that wants to hire more Gen Xers, listen up! Student loan assistance is something that is appealing to Gen X because those who do have student loan debt, have a higher amount of it. These programs could also help them with retirement because paying into a student loan usually takes over the desire to put money away for retirement. The less student loan debt they have, the more they can save!

Work-Life Balance Benefits

man standing on a rock facing waterfalls
Photo by Joshua Earle

Like we said before, Gen X values work-life balance. So if your company offers benefits that cater to work-life balance, then you’ll seem more appealing to this generation. Benefits such as allowing flexible hours, any type of work-from-home, or good maternity/paternity leave are all attractive to Gen Xers. Give them these benefits and they will be working hard for you!

Financial Assistance

focus photography of person counting dollar banknotes
Photo by Alexander Grey

Gen X is concerned with their finances. If your company offers benefits like 401(k) match, life insurance, medical, vision, and dental insurance, and the opportunity for raises or bonuses, these are a big plus.

Read More: 10 Bad Financial Habits Gen X Should Stop Making

Opportunities for Professional Development

a man sitting at a desk using a laptop computer
Photo by Vitaly Gariev

Feeling appreciated and having access to opportunities for professional development will motivate anyone at any job. Offer programs such as leadership development, mentoring, and individualized coaching. No one wants to feel stuck in their job, so providing them with opportunities for professional development will keep them motivated and challenged.

Read More: Ten Things People Don’t Know About Gen X

Health and Wellness Programs

man in black t-shirt and black shorts running on road during daytime
Photo by Gabin Vallet

Health and wellness are two things you can’t live without. Offering Gen X health and wellness programs at work is a great incentive. You could offer classes held at the office, help with the cost of going to the gym, embrace telemedicine options, and invest in employee assistance programs.

Read More: 10 Skills Gen X Has the Rest of the World Should Master