Why? Well let me explain! Full disclosure I’m Gen X (this may be a little biased)…

1. Gen X Grew Up Between Two Worlds—And That Makes Them Adaptable

Gen X (born 1965–1980) had an analog childhood and a digital adulthood. We grew up without the internet, but adapted super quick as technology exploded in the 90s and early 2000s. We remember when mobile phones first appeared in everyone’s pocket (Nokia anyone?!) and we were the first generation to have email addresses. 

So we understand and respect traditional workplace structures but also embrace innovation and digital transformation.

We can translate why certain workplace traditions exist and help make them more flexible and future-proof to Gen Z. 

Gen X have birthed Gen Z and we understand them like no one else because we are used to communicating with them and have had to find ways to understand them better too (and watched them overtake our tech abilities and now call on them to be our personal tech assistants). 

We can also advocate for modern ways of working without dismissing the experience and wisdom of older generations. The Boomers are our parents and the Millennials our peers and friends, we’ve figured out how to navigate being the sandwich between different viewpoints and we do it with respect because we still remember our authority figures being a bit scary. 

We’ve been shapeshifters our whole lives, constantly adjusting to new workplace expectations, leadership styles, and technological advancements. If anyone knows how to evolve with the times, it’s Gen X.

2. We Have the Work Ethic of Boomers and the Agility of Millennials

One of the biggest clashes in the workplace today is differing views on work ethic.\

• Boomers value loyalty, hierarchy, and traditional leadership.

• Gen Z values work-life balance, purpose-driven work, and personal autonomy.

Gen X understands both sides.

We grew up in a world where working hard meant climbing the corporate ladder—so we understand why older generations value structure and hierarchy.

But we also pioneered remote work, side hustles, and the idea of work-life balance before Millennials got there —so we get why younger generations aren’t willing to sacrifice their well-being for money alone.

Because of this, us Gen X’ers can help businesses create workplace cultures that balance structure with flexibility—without alienating either side.

3. Gen X Is the Most Independent Yet Collaborative Generation

Gen X are the original “latchkey kid” generation—many of us grew up with both parents working, making us independent and self-sufficient from a young age. In the workplace, this means:

We don’t need constant supervision—we’re used to figuring things out on our own.

We can work across generational lines—we’ve collaborated with Boomers, trained Millennials, and now manage Gen Z.

We balance leadership with teamwork—we’re comfortable being in charge but don’t micromanage like older leadership styles.

This independence makes us the perfect mediators between the structured leadership style of Boomers and the collaborative, flat-hierarchy preferences of Gen Z.

We’re Fluent in Both Old-School and Digital Communication Styles (just don’t ask us to try and be cool, Gen Z will immediately distance themselves from every interaction with us, or talk about us on TikTok).

One of the biggest workplace clashes comes from how different generations prefer to communicate.

Boomers (and yes, some Gen X) prefer face-to-face meetings and formal emails.

Gen Z prefers short-form messages, Slack, and async communication.

Gen X? We can do both!

We understand the importance of clear, structured communication, so we can help Gen Z refine their messaging for leadership.

We embrace digital tools, so we can help older generations adapt to modern workplace communication.

We respect the need for both efficiency and depth, making us excellent mentors, team leaders, and facilitators.

Basically we act as translators, ensuring that different generations actually understand each other instead of talking past one another.

5. We’ve Been Through Economic Ups & Downs—So We Understand Workplace Evolution

Gen X has lived through multiple recessions, layoffs, corporate shifts, and major technological advancements. We’ve seen:

The rise and fall of traditional corporate loyalty

The shift from in-office to remote and hybrid work

The evolution of leadership styles from rigid to adaptable

This experience gives us a deep understanding of workplace evolution and the ability to guide companies through major changes.

For Gen Z employees, we can offer mentorship, resilience, and real-world career lessons.

For business leaders, we can provide perspective on what changes are necessary and which traditions are worth keeping.

We don’t panic over workplace change—we’ve seen it all before. And that stability makes us essential in leading the workforce into the future.

How to Leverage Gen X as Workplace Connectors:

Put us in mentorship & coaching roles – We can guide younger employees while providing strategic insight to leadership.

Let us help shape company culture – Gen X knows how to balance tradition and modernity, making us the ideal leaders for culture evolution.

Use us to facilitate cross-generational communication – Whether in meetings, training, or leadership, we can ensure that all voices are heard and understood.

Businesses that tap into Gen X’s unique strengths will create workplaces that aren’t just functional—but thriving, adaptable, and future-proof.

We are the perfect balance of old-school and modern leadership, structure and flexibility, independence and collaboration. 

Gen X might not be the loudest generation in the workplace, but we are the perfect blend of experience, adaptability, and leadership that today’s workforce needs.

We understand where work has been and where it’s going, making us uniquely positioned to lead teams through change, bridge generational divides, and create workplaces that actually work for everyone.

Now, you could argue that, as a Gen Xer myself, I’ve positioned this whole argument to my advantage. And honestly? You’d be right.

But here’s the thing—it’s still true!

What do you think?!