Multigenerational workforce issues and their implications for leadership in nursing

With many countries facing current or impending nursing shortages, considering the impact of the multigenerational workforce, their needs and behaviours may impact on efforts to recruit and retain nurses.

As the nursing workforce changes, with ageing nurses, an increased demand for nursing care and an ageing population, greater emphasis is placed on an understanding of the workforce's needs and the differences highlighted by various generational groups.

Offered is a literature review and definitions of the four different generational groups evident in the current nursing workforce. These are offered as an insight into the different needs and attitudes that multigenerational groups bring to the nursing workforce.

Making the most of the multigenerational workforce and offering recommendations for meeting their unique challenges.

Understanding the different generational groups may allow nursing leaders and managers to consider what drives, motivates or hinders nurses from different generations.

Recruiting and retaining a workforce increasingly made up of nurses from many generational groups is a challenge that can be tackled with a deeper understanding of each of the commonly identified generational groups.