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CCH® HR MANAGEMENT - 4/14/08

Differences in employee engagement across generations are relatively small, study shows

Contrary to much that has been written about the differences between generations regarding their attitudes toward work and their engagement in their jobs, these variations are actually relatively small, according to research completed by Sirota Survey Intelligence.

"With the exception of employees age 63 and older, the differences between employees' levels of engagement in their jobs are fairly narrow," said Douglas Klein, president of Sirota Survey Intelligence. "Our research dispels the myths about younger employees being more disengaged from their jobs. It also refutes the contention that Generation X employees (ages 28-42) are the most cynical of age groups."

Sirota conducted a major study of cross-generational attitudes of more than 300,000 workers in over 50 organizations that the employee attitude research firm surveyed during 2006 and 2007. The study encompassed four generational groups: Generation Y (ages 27 and younger); Generation X (ages 28-42); Baby Boomers (ages 43-62); and Traditionalists (ages 63 and older).

The research included employees' overall satisfaction with their jobs, pride in working for their employers, whether they would recommend their organizations as a place to work, and their willingness to put forth extra effort. Their responses collectively comprised an "index of employee engagement."

Employees of the Traditionalist generation (ages 63 and older) are the most engaged in their jobs overall, with an 84 percent employee engagement level. The engagement levels of the other groups are within a relatively narrow range of 77 percent to 80 percent, according to the study. Traditionalists (whether newly hired or long-tenured) are even more favorable regarding their engagement levels than all other generations at any point in their measured tenure.

The study also revealed a strong pattern of difference between employees' attitudes about, and engagement in, their jobs based on how long they have been with their employers. Sirota's research demonstrates that, although an overwhelming majority of new employees are enthusiastic when starting a job, there is a measurable decline in their morale after the first year (often after the first six months), which continues through the fifth year. Employees' engagement level typically begins to recover after they have been with their employers for six years or more.

"Many new employees begin losing their enthusiasm for their new jobs regardless of how old they are," said Klein. "Employees' continued or maintained level of engagement depends on how well management meets their needs and expectations during their time with their employers."

Reflecting on these results, Klein notes that traditionalists (age 63 and older) may be an overlooked resource for employers. "They consistently have higher employee engagement levels than other employees with comparable tenure." For example, Traditionalists with between 2-5 years tenure have an engagement level of 85 percent 10 percentage points higher than that for Generation Y and Baby Boomers (75 percent), and nine percentage points higher than that for Generation X (76 percent).

"With more people living healthy, active lifestyles, and so many Traditionalists uncertain whether they will have the financial resources to enable them to retire, they may want to stay in the workforce longer. Employers may want to consider part-time and/or flexible work arrangements to keep more of these loyal, enthusiastic workers onboard," Klein added.

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