The Forgotten Generation: As Gen Z Takes Over Focus in the Workforce, Who’s Supporting Gen X?
We hear a lot about the drive to retain and support Gen Z (born 1997 – 2012) in the workplace. We commonly hear statistics such as that by the end of 2025, Gen Z will make up 27% of the workforce. [i] The investment in supporting the recruitment, retention and wellbeing of this group is significant.
And yet Generation X (born between 1965 and 1980) still make up a third of the UK workforce and often hold managerial or strategic roles in businesses. This group are not only juggling the demands of pressurised roles at work, but is also frequently facing mounting responsibilities at home.
In amongst the noise and demands of their younger cohorts, are the silent workhorses of Gen X quietly burning out?
Supporting Gen X and Midlife Wellbeing
Gen X staff are likely to hold much of the organisation’s operational memory and leadership capability. This group are likely to be experienced, loyal – but emotionally burnt-out.
Ensuring the right support is in place for midlife wellbeing can help boost retention, performance, and leadership succession.
What overwhelm looks like in midlife professionals
Life is busy.
We’ve got used to the juggle and we tend not to complain; hence the term “the silent workhorse”!
So, how do you know if you’re suffering from overwhelm? Here are some common signs.
Disconnected + Drained
You’ve lost sight of who you are outside the roles you play. You move through the days ticking boxes, but rarely feel present or fulfilled. Deep down, you know something needs to change.
Heavy Heart, Tight Chest
You carry a tension that won’t shift - a clenched jaw, tight shoulders, and a heavy feeling in your chest. Some days it feels like holding your breath just to get through.
Overthinking on Loop
You fall into bed exhausted, but your mind refuses to rest. You wake in the night with racing thoughts and can’t drop back into sleep - like your brain won’t switch off.
Always in Go Mode
You know you need to slow down, but you feel stuck in constant motion. Even your rest feels like it has to be earned. You’re constantly doing - and it’s exhausting.
Reignite Purpose and Regulate Stress
Breathwork and coaching offer a powerful antidote to this cycle of survival mode. By tapping into the body’s natural ability to self-regulate through conscious breathing, you can lower stress levels, increase clarity, and reconnect with your inner compass.
Combined with coaching, which provides accountability and perspective, breathwork becomes more than a wellness trend—it becomes a transformative practice.
By getting the right tools in place, you will not only be better equipped to manage daily pressures but also you can reignite a deeper sense of purpose, enabling you to thrive with intention and resilience.
Speak to your HR or wellbeing lead about my “Breath to Balance” course – this is a hugely useful introductory resource, often used to support midlife professionals.
[i] https://www.qureos.com/hiring-guide/gen-z-statistics#:~:text=Gen%20Z%20currently%20makes%20up,flexible%20work%20policy%20(LinkedIn%20survey)