What do employees aged 45–60 need today to stay motivated and continue developing within their companies? The answer will be revealed on September 28 at the SGH Warsaw School of Economics. That day, a hybrid scientific conference will host the premiere of the GeeX study results – one of the largest studies to date on the professional landscape and expectations of Generation X in Poland, featuring nearly 13,000 participants. The event is completely free of charge.
“GeeX was intended to be a project helping us better understand 45+ employees. However, it turns out it could be a true game-changer. We collected incredibly honest and painfully specific statements. These insights clearly show that ignoring professional maturity – at a time when the demographic crisis is increasingly apparent – is no longer just a people-management mistake. It has become a tangible business risk that no company can afford today,” says Tomasz Szklarski, initiator of the GeeX project and co-creator of the Enpulse platform.
No Empty Praise: They Expect Respect and Equal Opportunities
Staff shortages have become a daily business reality across most industries in Poland. Meanwhile, the very demographic that could effectively mitigate this crisis—employees aged 45 and over—continues to be sidelined. What do the individuals in question have to say about their situation? Their voices reflect pragmatism and a strong awareness of their value, rather than entitlement.
“I hear everywhere that they are looking for hands to work, but when I send my CV, I hit a brick wall. Employers complain about a lack of working hands, yet they ignore heads full of knowledge.”
“Young people test the job market and frequently change companies. We offer stability, experience, and loyalty – employers just need to stop obsessing over our date of birth.”
“These statements are merely a drop in the ocean of data, but they accurately capture the mindset of 45+ employees regarding their professional future today. During the premiere, we will present the full picture: what can retain Generation X in companies, what discourages them from working, and why the market so often squanders the experience of mature professionals. For some, this will validate their previous observations. For others, it will be a harsh confrontation with reality,” explains Mikołaj Pindelski, Professor at SGH Warsaw School of Economics.
From Uncomfortable Questions to Concrete Solutions
The premiere of the GeeX study results will take place on September 28, 2026, during a conference at the SGH Warsaw School of Economics. The report’s data will serve as a starting point for a discussion on why 45+ employees are still bypassed for promotions and face limited access to training. Experts from academia, business, and public administration will also explore how to halt the drain of experienced talent and dismantle generational silos. The goal is to ensure that Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z no longer compete for an employer’s attention, but instead leverage their diverse experiences and competencies to build a competitive advantage for their organizations.
“This event is for anyone who cares about the future of the labor market and smart intergenerational collaboration. If you are a leader, manager, HR professional, or anyone who actively shapes your organization’s strategy, you need to be there with us. Let’s start this discussion now, before demographic challenges back our companies against a wall,” appeals Tomasz Szklarski.
Let’s meet at the premiere of the GeeX report!
- When: September 28, 2026, at 9:30 AM
- Where: SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Building S (8 Batorego St.), Auditorium I
- Format: Hybrid meeting (in-person scientific conference and public online broadcast)
- Target Audience: Managers, HR directors, business leaders, employers, psychologists, and journalists covering business, economics, and the labor market
- Admission: Free
- Registration: online via form on the website.
