THE GEN XPERIENCE
A FIVE-YEAR JOURNEY INTO THE LIVES OF GENERATION X
GEN XPERIENCE YEAR 3: THE WORKPLACE
In this third annual report, the Mather Institute takes an in-depth look at the workplace experiences and perspectives of four generations: Generation Z, millennials, Generation X, and baby boomers.
The report explores how Generation X navigates today’s multigenerational workplace and includes thought starters for recruitment and retention strategies tailored to each generation.
INSIDE THIS REPORT YOU’LL FIND
- An overview of each generation’s workplace satisfaction and loneliness
- How supporting employee well-being looks different across generations
- Employees’ perceptions of multigenerational workplace
- Recruitment and retention strategies for each generation
YEAR 3 INSIGHTS
67%
of Gen Xers intend to stay with their current
employer for more than 5 years
72%
of millennials say social connection with
their coworkers is important
70%
of all generations agreed that they enjoy learning from their
colleagues from different generations
A WORKPLACE EVOLUTION
As Generation X entered the workforce from the mid-1980s to the late 1990s, they experienced significant social and technological changes that transformed the workplace. They witnessed societal movements that altered the makeup of the workforce, enhanced workers’ rights, and led to the rise of dual-income households. At the same time, they saw the workplace transition from typewriters and rotary phones to emerging digital technologies such as computers, cell phones, pagers, and fax machines.
This Year 3 report draws data from a nationally representative sample of approximately 4,000 (1,000 per generation) employed members of Generation Z (ages 18–28 at the time of this report), millennials (ages 29–44), Generation X (ages 45–60), and baby boomers (ages 61–79) participated in our online survey.
VIEW PREVIOUS REPORTS
YEAR 2: HEALTH & WELLNESS AMONG GEN X
Dubbed the Forgotten Generation, Generation X is often overlooked relative to the larger baby boomer and millennial generations. However, as boomers age, this forgotten generation has moved to the forefront as influential in all aspects of society.
The Gen Xperience is Mather Institute’s five-year initiative aimed at identifying key trends related to health and wellness, workforce issues, purpose and meaning in life, and future plans. of Generation X.
HEALTH & WELLNESS AMONG GEN X
Generation X grew up among social changes and the shift from analog to digital technology. Popular forms of exercise during their youth included aerobic videos, jogging, stationary bikes, and racquetball. Since then, the health and wellness sector has evolved rapidly. In this second annual report, Mather Institute conducted an in-depth look at the health and wellness of members of Gen X, focusing on wellness trends, wellness technology, and wellness in the workplace.
YEAR 1: OVERVIEW OF GEN X
In 2023, Mather Institute launched a five-year initiative to examine key lifestyle trends, attitudes, and interests of Gen X. From family dynamics to career choices and health priorities, discover the heartbeat of Gen X in our Year 1 report. The next report in this five-year initiative will focus on examining the experiences of Generation X in the workplace. Future annual surveys will address purpose and meaning in life, and plans for the future.