Work Engagement Across Different Generations in Finland: A Qualitative Study of Boomers, Yers and Xers

Abstract

In this world of constantly growing global competition, work engagement is an essential driver of organizational success. However, it seems that the source of such engagement varies amongst employees of different generations. Thus, this research aimed to ascertain whether or not generational differences matter when it comes to work engagement. This qualitative study provides insight into the multigenerational workforce of today's knowledge‐intensive work environment by clarifying the antecedents of work engagement for members of different generational cohorts. This paper also addresses whether or not generation can serve as a means for segmenting the workforce. The results demonstrate that despite slightly different emphases, people of all ages follow similar constructions of work engagement. The topic of this study is both current and beneficial as it provides new knowledge on both work engagement and generational research while offering suggestions to organizations seeking to engage their workforces.