To Retain Gen Xers, Put Them in Charge

December 10, 2014 To Retain Gen Xers, Put Them in Charge Many employers are at risk of losing some of their most valuable talent – Gen Xers. Now in their late 30s and 40s, Xers make up the bench strength for management. Xers are frustrated because their career progress has been blocked by Boomers who won’t retire and impatient Millennials who want to jump ahead. If you want to retain these talented and experienced workers, consider these steps: Put them in charge. Gen Xers value having control over their work. They're highly self-reliant and work well in situations where conditions are constantly changing. Placing them in charge of high-visibility projects is a way to spotlight their abilities. Show them the route to the top. Offer mentoring and sponsorship programs that match mid-level managers with senior-level executives. These opportunities help them develop important relationships. Offer flexibility. Extreme jobs – 60-hour workweeks, unpredictable schedules, and tight deadlines – are the norm for Gen X. Consider offering more flexible work arrangements. Adapted from “4 Ways to Retain Gen Xers” by Sylvia Ann Hewlett.