Diversity at work place : building the commitment of four generations

Abstract

PURPOSE: Nowadays we have four generations attempting to collaborate, Baby Boomers, X, Y and Z. Each one of these generations brings different expectations, needs and motivations and a different approach to work in the workplace and has a different level of commitment to work. We do experience multiple generations on our staff and the diversity in our organizations is not going away anytime soon. The main purpose of this article is to identify the level of commitment of employees representing four various generations, BB, X, Y and Z.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: We began our research by a review of the literature on the subject, both in Poland and abroad. The authors also conducted their own research. The applied testing techniques and methods were selected based on the intended purpose of the work and the formulated research questions. In order to obtain answers for the research questions, an empirical, quantitative research method was used. The technique used within the indicated method was CAWI - Computer Assisted Web Interview. The research tool was the "WIFI" engagement questionnaire (W - Well Being, I - Information, F- Fairness, I - Involvement) created by Sarah Cook, modified and adapted by the authors of this article. Finally, it contained 25 closed questions in the form of a disjunctive cafeteria.

FINDINGS: The obtained results made it possible to draw conclusions in relation to each of the four generations. The level of involvement of the oldest generation in the labor market - Baby Boomers is the lowest among all the surveyed generations. On the other hand, workers from the Gen Xers are the most involved in the workplace.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Our paper contributes to the latest insight into commitment of four generations. The authors of this article are aware that it would be worthwhile to conduct the study in a dynamic perspective, i.e., in a more extended working period, which would allow, to identify the level of commitment during Covid-19. We already have research results that show that Baby Boomers are less engaged and satisfied when working remotely.