Diversity is widespread in many American workplaces. Even though a diverse workplace is often seen as an important goal, one aspect that may be overlooked is generational differences among workers. To date, studies have not focused on how job satisfaction may differ among various generational groups. This research examined the determinants of job satisfaction for three groups: Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y. A survey was administered to sixty currently employed subjects, classified by generational cohort, to examine whether differences exist in how these groups define personal satisfaction in a job. Of the twenty Baby Boomers surveyed, more than half chose the following as main contributors to their job satisfaction: the variety of work and the work itself, work relationships, and wages, benefits, and other compensation. More than half of Generation X subjects chose the variety of work and the work itself and wages, benefits, and other compensation. More than half of Millennials chose work relationships and wages, benefits, and other compensation as main contributors to job satisfaction. Therefore, it appears that the three groups of generational cohorts that make up the American workforce have comparable values with regard to what keeps them satisfied in a job. Organizations can utilize this knowledge and similar research for insight on how to retain a generationally-diverse workforce.
