Analysis of the motivational factors of the baby boomer, X, Y, and Z generations and their expectations regarding professional careers

Currently, the job market is composed of professionals from different age groups working together in the same organization. These different age groups are termed "generations," a concept that classifies the group of individuals born around the same time who share certain behaviors, values, and needs. These needs impact the motivation and perspectives each group has about their personal and professional future. The objective of this study is to understand the motivational factors that influence workers of each generation and to verify their career expectations. Field research was used, employing a questionnaire with closed multiple-choice questions and one for comments. The questionnaire was sent to one hundred and seventy-eight workers of different age groups from several companies in the city of Bauru/SP. The findings regarding career expectations showed that the Baby Boomer, X, and Y generations mostly want to build a solid career within the same company, opting for stability and job loyalty. Generation Z, on the other hand, prefers a career without boundaries, motivated by factors such as flexibility, autonomy, and quality of life. Furthermore, the results indicate that employees of all generations are, for the most part, satisfied with their current jobs and are thinking about the future, planning their professional careers. Another finding of the research showed that the most relevant motivational factors for all generations were financial security, quality of life, and flexibility at work.