You might have noticed that, depending on how old — or young — they are, your employees react differently to strategies designed to encourage them to work happier, harder and better.

It’s not your imagination, according to new research released from the Staples Business Advantage 2016 Workplace Index, which found that different generations need different motivations to keep them happy at work — and not out looking for another job.

The index, conducted in conjunction with workplace expert Jacob Morgan, found that 46 percent of boomers and 32 percent of Gen Xers are more motivated at work by having a sense of purpose than millennials, only 24 percent of whom seek purpose in their jobs.

With five generations in the workplace — Generation Z (under 18 years old), Generation Y/millennials (18–33 years old), Gen X (34–50 years old), boomers (51–70 years old) and in some cases even the Greatest Generation (over 70 years old) — it can be tough to figure out how to keep them all content. The index warns against employers relying on stereotypes and instead offers some guidance on what each age group might be looking for.

Millennials, Gen Xers and boomers, by the way, are feeling overworked and burned out, according to the index. And that’s driving half of millennials, 47 percent of Gen Xers and 35 percent of boomers to start reading the want ads. How to fix this? For boomers, lighten the workload and give workers more time to complete tasks. For Gen Xers and millennials, try a flexible schedule and a better work-life blend, says the index.

Then there’s motivation. Boomers are most motivated by having a sense of purpose at work, followed by salary. But show Gen Xers and millennials the money; both rank salary as their top motivator. Gen Xers next feel a sense of purpose as the second most important motivator, while millennials look for passion in second place.

Millennials want to be able to work from home, since being able to retreat to their cozy nest provides the most inspiration to work. But millennials are unusual in this, since GenXers and boomers would rather have their desk in a traditional workplace as a source of inspiration.

And don’t give boomers and Gen Xers standing desks in an open floor plan; while millennials are okay with these, the older generations would prefer private spaces and ergonomic furniture, thank you very much.

Instant Insights /

There's no one-size-fits-all way to motivate employees, research says

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