Looking for a Fulcrum- Are Preferred Work Values Different for Four Generation Cohorts Co-existing in the Labour Market of Poland?

Abstract

Purpose:The article aims to study whether the significant differences in the values appreciated at work exist among surveyed representatives of the generations co-existing on the Polish labor market. Design/Methodology/Approach: The article is based on a critical literature review of the subject and the authors' research. The study was conducted in November 2020 on a sample of 1009 respondents from all over Poland. The research method used was a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire using the Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) technique. The obtained data were then subjected to statistical analysis (mean, standard deviation, ANOVA, Tukey's posthoc test, Bonferroni correction test, Spearman correlation). Findings: The obtained results showed that regardless of the generational affiliation, the most critical EVP attributes are stability and security of employment, followed by relationships and high compensation and benefits. Although differences between given generation cohorts were confirmed, their emphasis was relatively moderate. Originality/Value: The need to consider the following was found. The demographic situation in Poland is designated by the process of progressive aging of the society, which results in the simultaneous presence of representatives of four generations of workers on the labor market -Baby Boomers, X, Y, and Z. Employers must be ready to address the challenges of creating the EVP strategy that can reconcile the requirements of different generations cohorts.