Generational differences and job satisfaction in leisure services

Abstract

Generational differences in the workplace have been studied in a wide variety of settings, yet not in recreation settings. Currently, there are three generations ensconced in the workplace (i.e. Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y), with the leading edge of Boomers on the cusp of retirement and a second wave of Generation Yers attempting to find jobs. This study investigated attitudes toward job satisfaction of different generational cohorts in campus recreational sports settings. The results showed attitude differences toward job satisfaction in three areas: (1) working conditions; (2) work and environment; and (3) resources and employee benefits. Overall, Baby Boomer subjects were more satisfied with their jobs than the two younger generations, and there were no statistically significant differences in overall job satisfaction between Generations X and Y. Management implications of the study results are discussed.