The Washed Generation
You hear rumblings at the water cooler that XXXX is the next Golden Boy, maybe even sometimes Girl, although, quite frankly I have never heard Girl used in this expression. The Baby Boomers are getting ready to throw in the towel and retire, yet they are hanging on as long as they can, based on the turn and uncertainty of today’s economy, that’s if they haven’t already been pushed out or let go. The Gen Xer’s who were originally thought to be slackers are chomping at the bit to get their next promotion, which after a few years they feel is well overdue. The Gen Yer’s are still hopeful they will be able to get a job and maybe even build upon a career someday. However, with their age group carrying unemployment ratings well over 25%, they are just happy if they have any income and are once again able to live under mom and dad’s roof.
Of course, I have done some major stereotyping here and these remarks do not in any way apply to everyone. The jest of this post is actually the Washed or Sandwich Generation. The generation that sits at the end of the Boomers and beginning of Gen X, ages 42 to 52 years. They are considered too old by some to mold, groom or promote to higher positions, and therefore, have been overlooked. Why? Is it because the Baby Boomers keep hanging on to their jobs as long as they can for extra income and consequently this late Baby Boomer generation has not had as many opportunities for promotion? Or, is it because the younger generations are becoming more vocal and are yearning for a promotion, so why not listen to the young eager ones? The 42 to 52 year olds may be seen as the Washed Generation, because they do what they are told over and over again, and usually coming out clean with little dirt to discuss.
They have the work ethic, professionalism, knowledge and skills to make things work and the ambition to continue to drive success, yet they can’t get moved into that next role. Their success keeps them in a role that they continue to achieve results. This Washed Generation will work overtime to get the job done, and often won’t complain, because it is a part of their work morals, unlike the Gen Xer who will be sure to tell you when they have put their 40 hours in for the week. The Washed Generation has too many bills to pay to make waves; plus, possibly lose their job to someone younger.
The Washed Generation is taking care of elderly, raising children, allowing college graduate children to move back in because they are unable to find jobs, and work hard to keep up with the changing times of the economy. They have higher healthcare costs, fewer retirement benefits from corporate, lower (if any) wage increases, and added family expenses. Maybe it’s time for this age group to speak up, and tell corporate what they are worth. After 20 solid years of work experience and education, they must know something. Why not give these employees a stimulating environment to work in so that they can be engaged and inspired to produce at levels they were once capable of achieving. Our research suggests that the middle tenured employee is the least engaged. Isn’t it time to make a change that will capture and stimulate this group of late Boomers?
