Factors of Work Motivation in Production Engineering for Baby Boomers, Generations X, Y and Z

The aim of this study is to identify and evaluate the specific characteristics, preferences, and needs of different generations in the workplace to support management that is more effective, motivation, and employee retention. The research, conducted in 2022 and 2023, utilized a survey among 488 res...

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Main Authors: Maříková Monika, Řehoř Petr, Vrchota Jaroslav, Klarner Lukáš
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Sciendo 2025-09-01
Series:Management Systems in Production Engineering
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.2478/mspe-2025-0031
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author Maříková Monika
Řehoř Petr
Vrchota Jaroslav
Klarner Lukáš
author_facet Maříková Monika
Řehoř Petr
Vrchota Jaroslav
Klarner Lukáš
author_sort Maříková Monika
collection DOAJ
description The aim of this study is to identify and evaluate the specific characteristics, preferences, and needs of different generations in the workplace to support management that is more effective, motivation, and employee retention. The research, conducted in 2022 and 2023, utilized a survey among 488 respondents aged 18 and older to enable relevant generational comparisons. Factors examined for motivation to switch employers included higher financial compensation, more interesting job content, work environment, career growth, the option to work from home, benefits package, development and training, and changes in leadership. Statistical analysis, including t-tests and correlation matrices, revealed significant differences and relationships between motivational factors across generations (Baby Boomers, X, Y, and Z). Results show that across generations, key motivators are career growth associated with interesting job content, development opportunities, and a higher benefits package. Baby Boomers emphasize social interactions within the workplace and opportunities for continuous education. Generation X prefers a combination of stimulating work with flexibility for working from home and more extensive company benefits. For Generation Y, significant factors include career growth linked to financial compensation and work-from-home flexibility. Generation Z prioritizes higher financial compensation for career growth and engaging job content with opportunities for development and training. This study brings a key new insight by revealing how the combination of flexibility (such as remote work options), employee benefits, and opportunities for professional development significantly contributes to job satisfaction across different generations. These findings provide practical guidance for designing motivational strategies tailored to the specific needs of each generation in the workplace.
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issn 2450-5781
language English
publishDate 2025-09-01
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series Management Systems in Production Engineering
spelling doaj-art-6f287b379d224eee8cce3568fd7c8a262025-08-20T03:41:41ZengSciendoManagement Systems in Production Engineering2450-57812025-09-0133332133110.2478/mspe-2025-0031Factors of Work Motivation in Production Engineering for Baby Boomers, Generations X, Y and ZMaříková Monika0Řehoř Petr1Vrchota Jaroslav2Klarner Lukáš31University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice1University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice2AMBIS University in Prague; University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice3University of South Bohemia in České BudějoviceThe aim of this study is to identify and evaluate the specific characteristics, preferences, and needs of different generations in the workplace to support management that is more effective, motivation, and employee retention. The research, conducted in 2022 and 2023, utilized a survey among 488 respondents aged 18 and older to enable relevant generational comparisons. Factors examined for motivation to switch employers included higher financial compensation, more interesting job content, work environment, career growth, the option to work from home, benefits package, development and training, and changes in leadership. Statistical analysis, including t-tests and correlation matrices, revealed significant differences and relationships between motivational factors across generations (Baby Boomers, X, Y, and Z). Results show that across generations, key motivators are career growth associated with interesting job content, development opportunities, and a higher benefits package. Baby Boomers emphasize social interactions within the workplace and opportunities for continuous education. Generation X prefers a combination of stimulating work with flexibility for working from home and more extensive company benefits. For Generation Y, significant factors include career growth linked to financial compensation and work-from-home flexibility. Generation Z prioritizes higher financial compensation for career growth and engaging job content with opportunities for development and training. This study brings a key new insight by revealing how the combination of flexibility (such as remote work options), employee benefits, and opportunities for professional development significantly contributes to job satisfaction across different generations. These findings provide practical guidance for designing motivational strategies tailored to the specific needs of each generation in the workplace.https://doi.org/10.2478/mspe-2025-0031age managementgenerationsproduction engineeringwork motivation
spellingShingle Maříková Monika
Řehoř Petr
Vrchota Jaroslav
Klarner Lukáš
Factors of Work Motivation in Production Engineering for Baby Boomers, Generations X, Y and Z
Management Systems in Production Engineering
age management
generations
production engineering
work motivation
title Factors of Work Motivation in Production Engineering for Baby Boomers, Generations X, Y and Z
title_full Factors of Work Motivation in Production Engineering for Baby Boomers, Generations X, Y and Z
title_fullStr Factors of Work Motivation in Production Engineering for Baby Boomers, Generations X, Y and Z
title_full_unstemmed Factors of Work Motivation in Production Engineering for Baby Boomers, Generations X, Y and Z
title_short Factors of Work Motivation in Production Engineering for Baby Boomers, Generations X, Y and Z
title_sort factors of work motivation in production engineering for baby boomers generations x y and z
topic age management
generations
production engineering
work motivation
url https://doi.org/10.2478/mspe-2025-0031
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