One size does not fit all when it comes to keeping employees engaged in an increasingly multi-generational work force. A study conducted by MetLife Mature Market Institute study, in partnership with Boston College's Sloan Center on Aging & Work, found employers who engage their employees effectively will do so using targeted efforts.
The study found employees with the highest level of engagement, defined here as "A positive, enthusiastic, and affective connection with work that motivates an employee to invest in getting the job done, not just "well" but "with excellence" because the work energizes the person," tended to be women, didn't have any elder care responsibilities, and felt secure in their jobs. Employees with a good self image, and who were in good physical and mental health, also reported a higher sense of engagement than their co-workers.
"The findings of our study suggest that employers who want to enhance employee engagement should consider how to update their assumptions about the importance of the quality of the employment experiences they offer to employees," said Marcie Pitt-Catsouphes, Ph.D., director of the Sloan Center.
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"We found that different factors 'drive' the levels of engagement of different groups of employees. There is no single solution to low levels of engagement. Therefore, it is in employers' interests to strengthen multiple aspects of the quality of employment. [ ...] It is worth the effort to invest in organizations' most important asset – their employees."
The study's findings suggest there are simple, cost-effective solutions to improve employee engagement:
- Providing strong training and development opportunities;
- Encouraging work team inclusion;
- Offering customized benefits plans; and
- Promoting a culture of workplace flexibility and supervisor supportiveness.
The importance of having a fully engaged work force has already been recognized.
"Employers will increasingly place a premium on having fully engaged employees, as workers who are disengaged represent lost pro?ductivity and innovation," said Sandra Timmermann, Ed.D., director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute. "Understanding what drives employee engagement, from Boomers to Gen Y, helps employers stay competitive, especially in challenging economic times."
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