New research dispels the myth that younger employees tend to be less engaged in the workplace and that Gen X employees are the most cynical of the bunch.
The findings, from the recently released by Purchase, N.Y.-based Sirota Survey Intelligence, show that despite common perceptions, only small differences exist between the generations when it comes to attitudes toward work and in employee engagement.
Sirota compiled the data based on a study of more than 300,000 workers in more than 50 organizations during 2006 and 2007. The study focused on the four generations in the workplace: Generation Y (ages 27 and younger); Generation X (ages 28–42); Baby Boomers (ages 43–62); and Traditionalists (ages 63 and older). Collectively, the responses were used to create an index of employee engagement and included workers' overall job satisfaction, whether they would recommend their workplace to others, their willingness to put extra effort in their work, and their level of company pride.
The study found that:
- Traditionalists are the most engaged at 84 percent.
- Generation Y has an engagement level of 80 percent.
- Generation X is 78 percent engaged.
- Baby Boomers trail in last place with a 77 percent engagement level.
The data also shows that engagement levels tend to drop the longer an employee works at a company. From one to two years, employee engagement generally tracks at around 79 percent, but drops to 75 percent at around the two- to five-year mark. After 10 or more years with an employer, however, research shows that the engagement level is at around 79 percent – the same as the one- to two-year employee.
To read more, click here.
Written by Jenny Cromie, certified human resources specialist (CHRS)
E-Mail Story
Print Story
