Grayson West
They’re the office veterans who survived fax machines, AOL, and a thousand “urgent” meetings before Slack was even an idea. Gen X doesn’t always shout the loudest, but their habits shape how work still gets done. Some call them stubborn—others call them steady. So which is it? Let’s break down the real story.
Experience-Based Superiority
What others might perceive as superiority in Gen X workers actually traces back to their “latchkey” upbringing, where early self-reliance shaped their independent work style. Years of figuring things out solo transformed into quiet workplace confidence, though their “been there, done that” attitude can sometimes read as aloofness to colleagues.
Resistance To New Tools
This generation didn’t grow up with technology in their pockets, so their relationship with digital tools looks different. They had to adapt to the digital world midway through their careers, and many did so impressively. Still, they often lean toward familiar processes over the latest app or software update.
Workhorse Mentality
The older coworkers in the office pride themselves on being the steady workhorses of the office—staying late, taking on extra tasks, and powering through without complaint. But in today’s workplace, where younger colleagues openly prioritize balance and boundaries, that relentless dedication can backfire.
Office-First Loyalty
Gen X came of age when “being in the office” was practically a measure of dedication. To them, it was how you proved commitment. While young employees lean into flexibility and remote freedom, they still value in-person connection and collaboration.
Feedback Skepticism
The ones who grew up in workplaces where feedback was rare and usually came only when something went wrong. As a result, they often see constant praise and recognition as unnecessary or even insincere. But in today’s encouragement-heavy office culture, that skepticism can make them seem cold or dismissive.
Blunt Mentorship
Gen X mentors don’t sugarcoat. Their feedback tends to be direct, sometimes even sharp, but it’s almost always rooted in wanting to help others grow. The challenge is that younger coworkers, who value softer communication, can find this tone intimidating.
Email-Centric Habits
If you’ve ever wondered why your boss prefers a detailed email over a quick Slack message, this is why. They grew up valuing structure, documentation, and a clear communication trail. While this method feels thorough to them, it can slow things down for teams that thrive on instant messaging. Still, for these people, the permanence of email equals accountability.
Knowledge Gatekeeping
After decades of earning their expertise the hard way, Gen Xers often see knowledge as currency—something they had to fight to gain and now feel protective of. So, when other teammates effortlessly Google answers or rely on AI tools, it can trigger quiet defensiveness.
Sarcastic Humor
The humor of this generation can be sharp, dry, and dripping with irony, a reflection of growing up in unpredictable times. Sure, sarcasm can lighten tough situations; it sometimes rubs younger colleagues the wrong way, especially in diverse teams where tone doesn’t always translate well.
Status-Defensive
After decades of climbing traditional corporate ladders, Gen Xers can feel uneasy in today’s flat, title-light organizations. When hierarchies blur and job roles become fluid, they sometimes see it as a threat to the structure they worked hard to master. Their defensiveness is a reaction to watching familiar systems evolve faster than comfort allows.