Factors relating to the work engagement of Generation Z members in Cyprus and implications for Human Resource Management

Abstract

A new generation, referred to as Generation Z, is entering the workforce as the business world continues to evolve. At the same time, it is becoming more crucial to identify the elements that keep these individuals motivated in their profession. The present study focuses on examining the factors that affect Generation Z’s work engagement in order to offer suggestions for human resource (HR) management professionals on how to deal with these results. Generation Z refers to individuals who were born between 1997 - 2012, but for the purposes of this study, we referred to Gen Zers born between 1997 to 2003. This thesis followed a quantitative method using an online questionnaire that was completed by 81 individuals. Results have shown that the factors affecting Generation Z’s work engagement include Career path/ Career growth, Work-life Balance, Training & Development, Recognition, and Diversity and Inclusion. Additionally, Transformational Leadership style is the preferred leadership style of members of generation Z. Results provide some interesting insights on generation Z and what they are looking for in the workplace, providing thus significant implications for HR professionals, as well as for researchers in the field.