Are there generational differences in Employee Engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing blended working environment in the Irish Civil Service as assessed through communication and job satisfaction?

Mullally, John (2022) Are there generational differences in Employee Engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing blended working environment in the Irish Civil Service as assessed through communication and job satisfaction? Masters thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Employee engagement (EE) is associated with an employee’s level of commitment to their organisation, and a drive to help the organisation succeed. The Working From Home (WFH) environment, the new norm since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, has impacted organisations EE practices and in turn has impacted employees job satisfaction and effective communication within organisations. Currently there are four different generations working together in the majority of organisations. The aim of the current research was to investigate potential generational differences in relation to EE, with a specific focus on job satisfaction, communication and managerial roles in the current blended working environment which has arisen in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Irish Civil Service (ICS). This research was conducted through an online survey which was distributed to members of the ICS. Differences between the generations became apparent when job satisfaction, communication and managerial roles were assessed. Generation Z reported a more negative impact of WFH in relation to job satisfaction and communication than Generations X or Y. Baby Boomers reported a negative impact of WFH on their ability to perform their managerial role effectively, which was not reported by Generations X or Y. These findings suggest that there are generational differences across a number of areas of EE in the ICS which are apparent in the blended working environment. It is therefore proposed that this research should be used in order to create a more effective blended working policy which will enhance EE for the ICS.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Performance Management > Employee Engagement D History General and Old World > DA Great Britain > Ireland J Political Science > JS Local government Municipal government > Public Sector H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > Issues of Labour and Work > Quality of Work Life / Job Satisfaction
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Arts in Human Resource Management
Depositing User:	Clara Chan
Date Deposited:	21 Nov 2022 10:32
Last Modified:	21 Nov 2022 10:32
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/5896

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