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
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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.
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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.
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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
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HR and Talent Management — HR professionals can implement family-friendly workplace policies and support programs to attract and retain talent from the sandwich generation.
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Insurance — Insurance professionals can develop comprehensive behavioral health insurance and benefit plans to meet growing employee demand for wellness benefits.
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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.