Millennials Through The Looking Glass: Workplace Motivating Factors

Abstract

For the first time in history, organizations today have a workforce composed of four distinct generations of employees. Millennials are the latest and potentially largest generational group to enter the workforce. Organizations are struggling to recruit and retain talent from the Millennial generation. This study examines the factors influencing Millennials’ workplace motivation. Findings show that Millennial workers are motivated by basic needs and the desire for belonging, and seek actualization through challenging and meaningful work. The generation is, however, very diverse with respect to their motivating factors.