How To Better Engage Gen X Employees And Leverage Their Experience

A perspective piece argues that Gen X employees bring skills that often get overlooked amid the focus on Gen Z and Millennials. It cites a 2025 New York Times portrayal of Gen X in creative fields as having obsolete skills, saying readers pushed back. The article describes Gen X strengths in “power” or soft skills such as communication, active listening, and relationship-building through casual in-person interaction, noting that many grew up working in person rather than remotely. It also frames Gen X as resilient “original digital immigrants,” having adapted across analog, digital, and AI-driven eras. The piece recommends internal mentorship networks and proactive encouragement of employee well-being to keep Gen X engaged.