Navigating Generational Dynamics

Bâton Global has extensive experience in studying the needs of employees and understanding what motivates them. We’ve used this knowledge to serve our clients and implement incentive structures to create cultures where employees perform their best.  What are some of the common problems with developing incentive structures to motivate employees in your organization?

Overestimating generational differences

Much has been written about the differences among generations. Baby boomers are motivated by rank, wealth, and prestige. Gen X was the first generation to be more motivated by "work-life balance" and seek autonomy and flexibility in their work. Millennials value opportunities for career advancement and growth within the organization while also prioritizing work that allows them to pursue their passions and maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. Generation Z is motivated by opportunities to innovate and solve problems. They value authenticity and diversity in the workplace and prefer dynamic, tech-savvy environments that enable connectivity and productivity from anywhere.

While each generation brings with it unique life experiences, attitudes, expectations and styles, large-scale studies have shown that most generational differences in motivation are overstated. The differences can often be explained by one’s life or career stage. Knowing this, it is important to focus on generational similarities to develop a successful incentive structure. Employees across all generations are motivated by four main things: Opportunities to learn and grow, work-life balance, fair treatment, and meaningful work.

Optimizing Incentive Structures: The Total Rewards Approach

To align with the generational similarities for motivation, incentive structures must employ a total rewards approach where both intrinsic and extrinsic motivating factors are accounted for to foster high levels of performance and organizational commitment. The total rewards approach is a holistic and comprehensive approach to motivation that considers more than just monetary incentives. The approach can be tailored to meet the specific needs of different generations but mainly focuses on using incentives that appeal to workers across generations.

Extrinsic motivators like salary, bonuses, and benefits are critical for every worker. These monetary incentives are the crucial first step to motivating your workforce. In order to prevent worker dissatisfaction, their wages must first be perceived as adequate. Then, your employees will feel financially secure and that’s critical, but it doesn’t mean they’re motivated.

After employees feel financially secure, implementing intrinsic motivators is the next step. Intrinsic motivators mainly exist in two categories: work environment and learning and development. Creating a supportive and engaging work environment enhances job satisfaction by fostering a sense of belonging, appreciation, and safety. This includes ensuring a positive organizational culture, promoting teamwork, and maintaining open communication channels that encourage feedback and dialogue. On the other hand, investing in learning and development opportunities helps employees grow professionally and personally, which not only improves their competencies but also boosts their confidence and job satisfaction. Providing continuous learning options, clear career progression paths, and mentorship programs are crucial for keeping employees motivated and committed to their roles. Together, these strategies help cultivate a workplace where employees are not only content but are also motivated to achieve their best work.

By combining both extrinsic and intrinsic motivators using the total rewards approach B|G crafts successful incentive structures that motivate all employees, no matter the generation.

Empowering Your Workforce

Employee motivation is linked to job satisfaction, employee commitment, productivity, and, ultimately, organizational performance. How can Bâton Global assist you in enhancing motivation within your workforce? Our tailored strategies are designed to meet the unique needs of your multigenerational team, ensuring that every member is engaged and driven towards achieving their best.