Final answer:
Generation X employees prioritize work/life balance and meaningful work and have low expectations of employer loyalty. Retention strategies should reflect these priorities by focusing on engagement and a sense of contribution over corporate devotion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Characteristics of Generation X employees include their preference for a work/life balance, their desire to have meaningful work, and their lack of expectation to stay with one employer throughout their career. Unlike earlier generations, such as the baby boomers, Generation X employees tend to have a reduced sense of loyalty due to their belief that employers will not be loyal to them. This perception shapes their career expectations and prompts them to prioritize flexibility and personal fulfilment over corporate loyalty. Retention strategies for Generation X workers should focus on engagement and creating a sense of meaningful contribution rather than expecting old-fashioned corporate devotion.