It's a universal truth that leading a team is a difficult task for anyone, but
Forty-nine percent of workers said that coworkers from Gen X — those generally born between 1965 and 1980 — make the best managers, according to FlexJobs' 2024 Generations at Work
"Gen X employees are well into their careers and likely have worked with both boomers and millennials giving them a unique perspective in the workplace," says Toni Frana, manager and career expert at FlexJobs. "Having this cross-generational experience can shape the management style of a Gen X manager."
For example, Frana says, Gen X employees may be aware of the challenges millennials — workers born between 1981 and 1996 — encounter as they navigate the early years of their careers because
Having the freedom to do their jobs wherever and whenever they want is also important to Gen X, according to the report. Eighty-one percent of Gen X said work-life balance was one of their
"For years, we've known that the majority of workers are looking for work-life balance and remote work options across generations," Frana says. "This data shows that employees will continue to prioritize looking for opportunities that allow for work flexibility and work-life balance, [including in their leadership.]"
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As for what makes the younger generations less equipped for a managerial role, millennials were found to be the most likely to participate in the quiet quitting trend, according to FlexJobs' report, which
The youngest generation, Gen Z, has garnered a bit of a
"As younger generations make career moves into manager roles, this data point can serve as a reminder that successful managers should work to develop credibility and trust with their teams," Frana says. "Doing so can ensure that each team member — no matter their generation — feels heard and understood at work."