A new day is dawning for Generation X, whose members now hold more than half of leadership roles globally. Born between 1965 and 1980, in the generation sometimes referred to as the “forgotten middle child,” Gen Xers have waited longer for their time to shine as they’ve held the ground between slow-to-retire baby boomers and achievement-oriented millennials.
Gen X leaders will be an important segment of the workforce for decades to come. The oldest in the generation are at least 10 years away from an early retirement, and the youngest members are planning for another three decades in the workforce. Many from this generation will be taking the lead in developing and implementing new corporate social responsibility strategies for their companies.
While there’s a lack of statistics showing Gen Xer preferences regarding CSR, we do know that these independent, loyal, family-focused leaders are committed to development and want their work make a difference.
A survey by Korn Ferry Futurestep found that 39% of Gen Xers say the ability to make a difference in the organization is most important to them at work, and 48% choose one company over another for the “ability to make an impact on the business.”
Shaped by both baby boomers and millennials, collaboratively minded and digitally savvy Gen X leaders can close the generation gap as they step into the lead alongside millennial colleagues.
It is well known that millennial consumers are highly invested in CSR. That value also extends to their career choices, studies show.
- 79% of millennial employees are loyal to companies that care about their effect on society.
- 82% of millennials are likely to seek employment at a company that has been publicly awarded for its ethics.
- 88% of millennials say their job is more fulfilling when they are provided opportunities to make a positive impact on social and environmental issues.
Gen Xers and millennials have more in common than we might think. Both generations graduated into a recession; both are less likely do as well financially as their parents; and both value family and work-life balance. Similarities in perspectives on CSR also exist for these two generations. A study from Insights found that millennials’ perceptions are not terribly different from those of Generation X, and that the best way to retain talent through CSR strategy involves local social actions linked to a company’s core business.
As Gen Xers in the fresh produce industry consider the impacts they want to make on the companies they lead and on the values of their millennial peers, these leaders would do well to invest in CSR that aligns with business purpose and core competencies.
Through EFI certification, Gen X leaders will find long-term strategies for stakeholder-focused CSR that drive fresh produce business improvements and align with business purpose and core competencies like a safer food supply, high-quality product, care for the environment and an engaged, satisfied workforce.
How EFI Can Support Gen X in Social CSR
The process of EFI certification develops a corporate culture of inclusion and value for worker voice, guaranteeing fair labor practices, a safer food supply and responsible pest management practices. EFI growers report increased collaboration surrounding social responsibility and improvement goals they set for their companies.
“Introducing the skills and concepts from the EFI Program into our workforce enabled us to bring everyone together to strive for the highest standards,” says Kevin Doran, CEO of Houweling’s Group.
“EFI has helped us bridge differences and build a collaborative effort where our intention is the reality out in the farms and in our facilities throughout our organization,” says West Mathison, President of Stemilt Growers.
EFI makes a difference by driving business improvements while accomplishing social good. It’s a CSR program that weaves its way into the everyday work of the operation, not a separate program, which is attractive and relevant to both Gen X and millennial business leaders and employees who want to see their work make a positive difference.
Find out more about how EFI can help implement long-term CSR strategies for your company by visiting our EFI Services page.
