Did you know that this is the only time in history that there have been five generations in the workplace at the same time? There is my generation, the X’ers, then the baby boomers (the largest generation to date), the matures and the new generation Y. Recently I learned that the average age of our Travel Therapists is 36 years old. I was so surprised to know that you guys are in my generation!! Go X’ers!!!
Here are some fun interesting facts about our Travel Therapist Generation Xer’s:
The X’ers Fun Facts:
• Individuals considered to be within Generation X were born, and grew up during the later years of, and in the decade following the Vietnam War.
• We were shaped by the end of the cold war and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
• We grew up in a historical time we saw the inception of the home computer, video games (remember Atari!!) and the internet as a tool for social and commercial purposes.
• Remember MTV, Desert Storm and 80’s ROCK such as Van Halen and Bon Jovi?
• Maybe you were more interested in Hip Hop Culture and punk rock bands like The Ramones and Manga.
• The US Census Bureau cites Generation X as statistically holding the highest education levels when looking at age group.
What Motivates An X’er:
1. Value in the Individual and Nurture Relationships – Xers watched their parents work overtime to be layed off or downsized by major corporations. They are not loyal to companies. They want to be looked at as indiduvals. They are however homesick for the home they never had due to both parents working. Their focus on relationships over achievement is key.
2. Challenge in Work – We have short attention spans. We need and want new challenges and the opportunity to build new skills. Training is a big motivator for Xers. This is why healthcare travel is a great option for us! It provides constant challenge!!
3. Freedom to Manage Time – We do not like over your shoulder in your face management. As a result of being independent at a young age (latch key kids) we like freedom and autonomy in our work.
4. Feedback and Recognition – We like time with our bosses and leaders! This explains why many of our travelers are so close with their recruiters. Recruiters give feedback to the travel therapist and this is what the xer craves. Because of our short attention spans we have to get recognition and rewards quickly! The rewards in the healthcare travel industry never end!!
Happy Travels X’ers!
