Article: Fisher, A. (2006). “What Do Gen Xers Want? Here’s how some of FORTUNE’s 100 Best Companies to Work For keep young up-and-comers happy.” Fortune Magazine. Retrieved on 19 January, 2006.

http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/17/news/companies/bestcos_genx/index.htm?cnn=yes

This article hits the nail on the head in analyzing the factors that motivate the GenX people when looking for jobs and staying on in them.Certainly showing loyalty towards an employer for loyalty’s sake is not on top of any GenX’ers list. They understand too well that “right time at the right place” saying is too important in this fast paced world and are all too ready to change jobs if the current environment does not suit their needs.

And the companies themselves show the same “lack of loyalty”, if you will, towards the employers, and waste no time in handing out pink slips, whenever their need arises. This is as true of Silicon Valley companies as it is of any other capitalistic, profit-driven company in the world.

The article does not mention Silicon Valley’s most succesful companies, Google. The culture there, including use of Segways, dry cleaning facilities, food within 100 feet of anywhere(is this true), are unique. The success of the company combined with these other factors makes Google a coveted place to work for.

The article is informative and presents some facts and short-term data about companies that have managed to make their workplaces attractive for GenX employees. However the article does not present any data on how, if at all, this “retention” of Genx employees has contributed positively towards the company’s growth and profit. After all, a company would only continue to provide the benefits that GenXers seem to want only if it is translating into either profits or recognition for the company.