Gen X Blues…

 It’s often the optimistic factors — a desire to build new skills or grow in one’s career — that lead workers to the job hunt. But right now, it seems the grimmer stuff is nudging U.S. workers to search for greener pastures, according to new LinkedIn data.

Specifically, job seekers in the U.S. are voicing increasing pessimism around their current organization’s performance, according to the latest edition of the Workforce Confidence Survey. Nearly half (47%) of active U.S. job seekers said their employer’s recent performance makes them feel less confident as a member of the workforce. That’s the highest level of unease since such survey questions were introduced in early 2021 — and contrasts with a reading of just 36% in July.  For non-active job seekers, that metric remains stable, usually somewhere between 15% and 18%. 

Intriguingly, it’s the workforce’s oldest generation, baby boomer job seekers (born between 1946 and 1964) that are viewing the current environment most serenely. This might reflect boomers’ experience with plenty of downturns already, going back to the severe 1980-82 slump, which was followed by a rapid, prolonged recovery. By contrast, doubts about employers’ prospects are a factor for a larger chunk of younger workers. 

◉ 34% of baby boomer job seekers report eroding confidence in their employers, according to the Workforce Confidence survey. 

◉ 52% of Gen X and millennial job seekers are feeling less confident about their organization’s performance.

For more about this change in job seeker confidence, and what it means for the economy, read the latest edition of LinkedIn’s Workforce Insights newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gWKxr-cy

Why do you think this shift is taking place? And what can companies do to regain employee confidence? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

• Real Estate
• Wenston DeSue is a realtor, organizational consultant, design, construct, build expert and developmental networker.  Real estate is the business of exchange and affects every person on the planet.  Real estate on all levels represents resources, access and ultimately, power.  Knowledge is power…