Understanding how to engage and empower every generation in the workforce has never been more important. As businesses continue to navigate changing expectations workplace cultures and labour market trends employers must take a thoughtful approach to supporting the people who keep their teams moving.
Our Gen X Playbook captures insights from real workers across the UK and reveals exactly what this generation wants from employers today. The findings highlight clear themes that will help any organisation attract retain and get the best out of Gen X talent.
In this blog we break down those insights to give you practical guidance as well as a deeper understanding of what it takes to create a workplace where Gen X employees thrive.
Gen X brings experience stability and reliability. Many hold senior roles others possess specialised technical knowledge and most have lived through enough organisational transformation to offer calm leadership even during uncertainty. Their balance of independence and collaboration makes them effective decision makers who appreciate clear expectations and meaningful responsibility.
Insights from our research show that Gen X workers place major emphasis on:
For employers who recognise and respond to these priorities the result is a workforce that is committed motivated and highly dependable.
According to the Gen X Playbook this generation places high value on ethics salary and stability. They want employers who operate fairly and responsibly while offering competitive pay and long term job security. One recurring theme is loyalty. Gen X workers are loyal when loyalty is returned. They want to know they are working for a company that values consistency fairness and integrity.
Additionally many Gen X employees describe the importance of workplace camaraderie and culture. One FLT driver explained it directly: “I’d rather be in a shit job with good people than in a good job with shit people”. This reflects the deep emphasis Gen X places on team morale and positive relationships.
For employers this reinforces the importance of building a people focused environment. Culture matters. Connection matters. Stability matters.
Gen X workers are experienced and self reliant. They thrive when trusted to deliver meaningful work independently. At the same time they value clarity around processes and goals. Managers who communicate expectations clearly and give room for autonomy will get the best output from this generation.
Culture is one of the strongest retention factors for Gen X. They want to enjoy their work and feel part of a positive team. Investing in communication collaboration and mutual respect can create a culture where Gen X feels valued and motivated. As one interviewee shared they want to avoid workplaces where they feel like “just a number”.
Gen X respondents emphasised the importance of HR accessibility both for communication and their broader wellbeing. A supportive HR presence shows that employees are valued and not left to navigate workplace challenges alone.
A striking 87% of Gen X workers said they prefer daily feedback and most prefer this face to face. They appreciate professionalism and honesty so constructive feedback delivered respectfully and regularly builds trust and boosts performance.
Work life balance is a major factor in both retention and performance. Research shows that poor work life balance is a leading reason Gen X workers leave their roles. Offering predictable hours occasional flexibility and hybrid options where possible helps retain this generation.
Gen X values continuous learning. Many describe every day as an opportunity to grow and they prefer accessible online training supported by occasional in person sessions. Employers who provide structured training and opportunities for mastery will see strong engagement.
Gen X employees hold valuable knowledge shaped by decades of experience. Many want to contribute to mentoring younger workers shaping skills gap strategies and supporting leadership development. Employers who involve Gen X in long term planning gain both loyalty and stronger organisational stability.
Gen X stays when they feel appreciated enjoy their roles and work within a positive culture. They value recognition connection and the knowledge that their work matters. Stability is important but so is enjoyment. Employers who create environments that feel supportive and human will have long serving committed Gen X teams.
When Gen X chooses to move on it is often due to:
However it is important to note that more than 26% of Gen X respondents said nothing would influence them to leave which further highlights their strong sense of loyalty when treated fairly.
Understanding the people behind the roles is at the heart of everything we do. Our workforce research ensures we help clients build teams that thrive across every generation. From Gen Z to senior leadership we know what today’s candidates want and how to connect you with the best talent.
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If you want support attracting retaining and empowering Gen X employees our team is here to help.
Contact us
Email: info@westray.co.uk
Telephone: 0191 492 6622
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