6 Ways Gen X Leaders Are Shaping The Future Of Work

• Generation X plays a pivotal role in shaping work culture through their resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Gen X’s influential leadership bridges traditional and modern values to meet diverse workplace needs and expectations.
• 79% of Gen X feel underappreciated and experience slower promotion rates (compared to Millennials) — despite having the required qualifications for leadership roles.

Comprising over a third of the workforce yet often overshadowed by Baby Boomers and Millennials, Generation X (also labeled the forgotten generation) plays a crucial role in shaping work culture through its distinctive ethos and influential leadership style. 

As organizations face ongoing economic and cultural challenges, the adaptability, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of Generation X (Gen X) remain crucial. Here’s everything you need to know about this group of workers, and why supporting them is essential to success in the future of work.

Who are Gen X Workers? 

Gen Xers, renowned for their independence, self-sufficiency, and resourcefulness, are often referred to as “latchkey kids” — a reflection of a distinct upbringing that shaped the qualities they bring to the workplace. 

Born between 1965 and 1980, they grew up during the rapid evolution of personal computing and the dot-com boom, which ingrained in them a confidence in adapting to new technology. This cohort embraces technological change as a norm rather than an exception. 

Known for their optimism and resilience, Gen Xers can adeptly navigate economic turbulence and shifting societal norms, drawing strength from the significant historical and political events that have impacted their lives.

Gen X prioritizes independence and excels when offered high levels of autonomy. Their adaptability and practical problem-solving skills make them influential in creating positive workplace dynamics — including cultivating innovation and creativity. 

However, Gen X’s entrepreneurial spirit often emerges later in their careers, supported by their accumulated experience and confidence in their abilities to take calculated risks. This trait is evident in Gen X business leaders such as Elon Musk, whose ventures in sustainable energy and space exploration have elevated the aims and aspirations of individuals across generations and from various industries.

Gen Xers possess a unique work ethic of “work hard, play hard” — dedicated and hardworking when it comes to their professional responsibilities, but they also prioritize life outside of work. They believe in putting in focused effort during work hours while also making time to relax, pursue hobbies, and spend time with family and friends. This work ethic reflects their desire to achieve a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. 

Gen X also value authenticity in the workplace and are consequently more attracted to organizations that align with their principles. Gen X leaders prefer mentoring to micromanaging and are committed to promoting diverse and inclusive teams. 

The former CEO of Facebook, Sheryl Sandberg, illustrates this approach through her advocacy for gender equality and leadership diversity, which has had a global impact on workplace culture. 

Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, also exemplifies these values by prioritizing empathy and collaboration, nurturing a culture of inclusivity and innovation at Microsoft. 

Similarly, Susan Wojcicki, the former CEO of YouTube, endeavored to improve diversity in the digital media arena and advocated for paid parental leave.

Gen X: Comparing Work Values, Approaches, and Attitudes

Currently middle-aged, Gen X is making a lasting imprint on the modern workplace with their distinct values and unique leadership style. A recent Allwork.Space article underscored the importance of recognizing generational differences in the workplace and adapting management strategies to enhance collaboration and optimize performance across all age groups. 

Despite being smaller in number compared to Baby Boomers and Millennials, Gen X has made significant contributions, particularly in business and technology, as exemplified by Fortune 500 CEO Jeff Bezos of Amazon.

Generation X workers are renowned for their adaptability, pragmatic leadership approach, and advocacy for diversity and inclusion. 

Their influence in modern workplaces blends traditional values with contemporary organizational practices, creating environments that cater to multi-generational needs and expectations. 

Here are six distinctive ways Generation X stands apart in workplace culture and leadership:

1. Communication Style

Gen X vs. Millennials: Gen X prefers direct, face-to-face communication and values privacy and a focused work environment. Millennials embrace technology-driven communication (such as instant messaging and video conferencing), favoring teamwork and inclusive decision-making.

Gen X vs. Boomers: Generation X prefers efficient communication that respects their time. They prefer direct and concise communication through emails and face-to-face meetings, but they are also proficient in using digital channels. Baby Boomers prioritize personal connections and formal communication methods — such as phone calls, meetings, and memos. They value respect for their experience and knowledge.

2. Leadership Style

Gen X leadership is pragmatic, results-oriented, and adaptable — bridging the hierarchical structures favored by Boomers and the flat organizational hierarchies preferred by Millennials. 

Compared to Millennials, Gen X prioritizes quality time over long hours and prefers a self-directed work approach. Gen X also favors transparency, direct communication, and mentoring over micromanagement. Gen Xers believe the best way to achieve success is through individual empowerment. 

3. Approach to Diversity and Change

Having experienced significant societal shifts, Gen X is open to diversity, equality, and different cultures in the workplace. Gen X promotes meritocracy and talent over conformity to traditional norms — directing organizational practices toward inclusivity and adaptability.  

4. Bridging the Generational Gap

A recent Allwork.Space podcast featuring leadership development expert Chris McAlister, provides insight into understanding and navigating generational differences — and the challenges of managing culturally diverse teams. Gen X is perceived to be the bridge between the traditional values of Boomers and the modern preferences of Millennials and Gen Z. 

5. Impact on Workplace Dynamics

As more Gen Xers assume leadership roles, they bring a shift towards casual, flexible, and egalitarian workplace cultures. Gen X advocates for autonomy, personal development, and empowerment of their teams  —  moving away from rigid, hierarchical management styles favored by previous generations.

6. Attitude Toward Risk-Taking                          

      Gen X entered the workforce amidst a transposition away from the stoic attitudes of Boomers. Gen X embraces teamwork, coaching, and emotional intelligence — blending rationality with empathy.

The Unique Challenges of Gen X at Work

Despite their numerous capabilities and skills, Gen X encounters some unique challenges. They often feel undervalued and overshadowed by older Boomers and younger generations in the workplace. 

This tendency could be attributed to their slower rate of promotion (20% to 30% compared to Millennials) — despite possessing qualifications and experience for leadership roles. 

Many Baby Boomers are extending their careers by working longer than previous generations, possibly due to improved health and financial considerations. This extended job tenure among Boomers can slow down or block the career progression of Gen X employees. 

Additionally, age discrimination (ageism) can make it even harder for them to advance at work, potentially leading to disengagement and dissatisfaction among Gen X employees.

The change from traditional ways of organizing work (with clear hierarchies) to newer approaches, such as project-based work and remote work, also poses several challenges for Gen X employees. 

While some embrace the flexibility, others struggle to navigate these specific transitional dynamics — despite being a generation renowned for its adaptability and readiness to accept change.

However, by recognizing and tackling these challenges, organizations can unleash Gen X’s potential as business leaders and innovators. 

Here are some key approaches employers can adopt to support Gen X workers:

Offer Mentorship and Professional Development

Personalized mentorship programs can help address the knowledge and experience gaps that arise when Baby Boomers retire. These programs offer guidance and opportunities for personal and professional growth to employees who could benefit from the wisdom and support of more experienced colleagues.