Family-friendly workplaces become more important as Gen X works at home
Trend - The older Generation X micro-generation -- known as Gen XS -- has always been quite family-focused; they are even more so during quarantine, as many of them are working from home. Balancing this requires even more of a push toward a family-friendly office culture.
Insight - Many members of Gen XS are not only looking after children but parents as well. This puts a lot of pressure on this "sandwich generation," who is also the head of household and typically, in a leadership position from a professional perspective. Despite their dedication to family, this generation remains highly dedicated to their work as well. Ushering in more family-friendly work culture is both personally beneficial to this generation, and a principle they generally believe would improve corporate culture as a whole.
Insight - Many members of Gen XS are not only looking after children but parents as well. This puts a lot of pressure on this "sandwich generation," who is also the head of household and typically, in a leadership position from a professional perspective. Despite their dedication to family, this generation remains highly dedicated to their work as well. Ushering in more family-friendly work culture is both personally beneficial to this generation, and a principle they generally believe would improve corporate culture as a whole.
Workshop Question - What are you doing as an employer to provide busy team members with respite?
Trend Themes
1. Family-friendly Workplaces - Businesses can offer family-friendly workspaces and benefits to support employees who are members of the sandwich generation, increase productivity, and improve corporate culture.
2. Behavioral Health Insurance - Businesses can offer comprehensive behavioral health insurance and benefits to fill gaps in traditional health and dental insurance offerings and meet growing employee demand for wellness benefits.
3. Child Tutor Work Perks - Businesses can offer child tutoring services as a well-being benefit for employees who are struggling to work from home while also being responsible for their children's ability to learn.
Industry Implications
1. HR and Talent Management - HR professionals can implement family-friendly workplace policies and support programs to attract and retain talent from the sandwich generation.
2. Insurance - Insurance professionals can develop comprehensive behavioral health insurance and benefit plans to meet growing employee demand for wellness benefits.
3. Education and Training - Education and training professionals can offer child tutoring services as a well-being benefit for employees to improve their children's ability to learn from home.
