Australia – More than 70% of Generation X employees in Australia are unhappy at work as they no longer feel challenged or valued by their employers.

According to a study by organisational culture firm Human Synergistics, Generation X employees, born around 1965 to 1982, felt less valued than their younger Generation Y and baby boomer counterparts. With 62% of respondents said they have unfulfilling relationships with co-workers and 69% surveyed feeling detached from the culture of the organisation, employers need to sit up and take note.

Speaking to news.com.au, Quentin Jones, Australian director of Human Synergistics, said, “Now that they [Generation X] have demonstrated their loyalty and are in the realm of management, they are no longer being challenged or appreciated in the same way, leaving them feeling tired and dejected.”

He added, “This trend should be of serious concern to Australian employers, as not only are Gen-X being affected by current conditions but also their families and friends.”

The study results had shown that the Generation X workforce is equally dissatisfied with their family life, leisure time, health and personal growth.

One way Jones suggested that companies can do to drive their employees’ motivations is to tap into their sense of purpose.

“All generations have shown they respond to organisations who speak to their aspiration of making a difference in the world,” he said.

When individuals can align their personal values and goals with those of the organisation, Jones added that this will produce a deeper and more sustainable motivation.

Mirela Lane, director of human resources for hotel Hilton Sydney advised companies to develop a range of avenues to give employees of all ages the opportunity to advance and develop their career.

Citing Hilton as an example, Lane said, “That might mean moving to a different country in a similar position or level they were at, so we provide that opportunity as well.”