It's 7 AM, and your Gen X employee is already juggling multiple healthcare portals—scheduling a virtual visit for their teenager's sports physical, coordinating an in-person specialist appointment for an aging parent, and trying to find time for their own overdue checkup. This scenario plays out daily for 65 million Americans born between 1965 and 1980, who have earned their title as the "sandwich generation." Their unique place in the workforce calls for a fresh, flexible approach to healthcare benefits.
The Sandwich Generation's Healthcare Challenges
Gen Xers face the complex task of managing healthcare for multiple generations. Employees in this age group care for an average of 2.2 children while supporting aging parents—a tough act to manage alongside work responsibilities (Antonacci, 2023). This generation needs healthcare solutions that fit their busy lives, which is why convenience, personal choice, and ease of use are top priorities for Gen Xers (Ench, 2023).
Since Gen X spends an average of $5,500 annually on healthcare, offering comprehensive plans that cater to their family needs is crucial (Kaplan, 2024). Gen Xers also face stress from balancing responsibilities and value access to convenient fitness options and mental health resources, such as counseling or stress management programs, for maintaining their well-being (Antonacci, 2023).
Bridging Traditional and Digital Healthcare
Gen X is a unique blend of old-school and tech-savvy. They’re comfortable using both in-person care and digital health solutions to manage their needs. From researching health information online to scheduling doctor visits, they want the best of both worlds. Offering a hybrid healthcare approach that combines the convenience of digital care with the reassurance of traditional in-person visits can hit the right balance for this generation (Leventhal, 2023).
How Employer-Sponsored Primary Care Clinics Can Meet Gen X Needs
On-site or near-site employer-sponsored primary care clinics can help Gen X employees manage their healthcare more efficiently. These clinics offer easy access to both physical and mental health services, which is especially helpful for Gen Xers with hectic schedules (Antonacci, 2023). With preventive care, chronic condition management, and mental health support all in one place, Gen Xers can care for themselves and their families without the added stress of navigating external healthcare systems.
Meeting Gen X Where They Are
For Gen X, healthcare benefits need to be flexible, family-friendly, and supportive of mental health and work-life balance. HR managers can boost employee satisfaction and retention by offering healthcare plans that meet these needs—whether through comprehensive family coverage, mental health support, or hybrid care options. Providing convenient healthcare access, especially through employer-sponsored clinics, is a strong way to demonstrate care for this pivotal generation.
References
Antonacci, A. (2023, October 25). Benefits flexibility: Why it’s a must-have for a 5-generation workforce. HR Executive. https://hrexecutive.com/benefits-flexibility-why-its-a-must-have-for-a-5-generation-workforc
Ench, S. (2023, September 19). Evolving Generational Values in Workforce Benefit Plans. Accu Source HR. https://www.accusourcehr.com/blog/evolving-generational-values-in-workforce-benefit-plans
Kaplan, D. (2024, April 12). Talking About the Generations. Managed Healthcare Executive. https://www.managedhealthcareexecutive.com/view/talking-about-the-generations-the-health-and-healthcare-of-boomers-gen-xers-millennials-and-gen-zers-part-2-gen-xers
Leventhal, R. (2023, October 12). Gen X and Healthcare 2023. EMarketer. https://www.emarketer.com/content/gen-x-healthcare-2023
