Examining the impact of workplace spirituality on the work stress and retention of Generation Z in the professional services sector in Ireland

Marlena, Morgiewicz (2021) Examining the impact of workplace spirituality on the work stress and retention of Generation Z in the professional services sector in Ireland. Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Workplace spirituality (WPS) represents an expanding field of research with a particular focus on improving employee wellbeing through finding higher meaning and interconnection in the workplace. The purpose of the present research is to address a gap in literature surrounding the impact of WPS on Generation Z, the youngest generational cohort entering the workforce. The research draws on existing literature to further investigate the associations between WPS, work stress and employee retention for Generation Z in the professional services sector in Ireland, as well as intergenerational findings on WPS.

In particular, the researcher aimed to examine whether Generations Z, Y and X portray differing WPS outcomes, and whether there was an association between WPS and work stress, and WPS and retention for Generation Z in Professional Services Firms (PSFs). Literature demonstrates that WPS improves employment aspects related to wellbeing, thus reducing occupational stress and lowering turnover intentions which naturally increases organizational tenure. This is of interest to PSFs which are faced with the challenge of retaining young knowledge workers who have lower organisational loyalty than their generational predecessors.

Using an online survey research design, data were obtained from 101 individuals of working age who are currently working or have recently worked in a PSF. The research instrument consisted of three pre-existing scales on WPS, work stress and turnover intentions.

Findings indicated that generational membership did not produce differing WPS outcomes. For Generation Z, overall WPS was seen to increase work stress. Within the WPS sub-dimensions, higher levels of inner life values reduced work stress, while higher levels of meaningful work increased work stress for Generation Z. Lastly, this study found a negative correlation between WPS and turnover intentions of Generation Z. In particular, community-oriented WPS dimensions were observed to improve Generation Z retention prospects.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Employee Retention D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > Ireland H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > Industrial Psychology > Workplace Stress
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	06 Jan 2022 12:40
Last Modified:	06 Jan 2022 12:40
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5263

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