Measuring work engagement in a multigenerational nursing workforce

To examine the level of work engagement among Veteran-aged, Baby Boomer, Generation X, (Gen X) and Millennial registered nurses.

Workforce engagement plays a critical role in health care organisations. Organisations with a highly engaged nursing workforce outperform those organisations that have disengaged or non-engaged employees.

Quantitative non-experimental causal comparative study measured multigenerational nurses' level of work engagement.

Veteran-aged nurses were the most engaged, followed by Baby Boomer, Gen X and Millennial. The sample scored highest on dedication and lowest on vigour. Veterans and Baby Boomer nurses were statistically different than Gen X and Millennial nurses in their level of engagement. There were no statistical differences between Veteran and Baby Boomers and between Gen X and Millennials in their level of engagement.

Gen X and Millennial RNs scored lowest on level of engagement and are statistically similar in their level of disengagement.

Nurse managers must prioritize engagement strategies as a core function of their leadership role. It is essential that leaders cultivate an employee engagement culture across a multigenerational workforce. Nurse leaders should take full advantage of the experience of the retiring generations to mentor and transfer critical knowledge to the Gen X and Millennial nurses.