1. Better perks (free food, nap rooms, onsite gyms)

Workers in San Francisco, Boston, Nashville and San Diego are particularly enamored with the idea of better perks, while those in Minneapolis, Cleveland, Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. don't care as much about the freebies. Across generations, millennials and Gen Zers really want better perks, and Gen Xers could really use more flex time and concierge services, but baby boomers, well, perks are just 'a nice to have,' but not really that necessary. For all survey respondents, 37 percent say this would make them more engaged at work.

Employee motivation varies between generation and location. These six areas represent the majority of engagement motivators, 9 percent of all of the workers chose the "other" category, so employers might learn the secret to their engagement via anonymous surveys….

6. A better boss

Workers in Phoenix, Houston, New York City and Los Angeles could use a better boss, while those in think their superior is just fine. Across generations, baby boomers are actually pretty satisfied with their boss, while those 54 and under a little less so – but not by that much. Indeed, for all workers, just 19 percent say this would make them more engaged at work.

5. More team building/work outings

Workers in Miami, Chicago, Houston and San Francisco really want more team events, while those in Pittsburgh, Dallas, Philadelphia and Salt Lake City don't care as much. Across generations, millennials and Gen Zers really want more togetherness, Gen Xers can take it or leave it, and baby boomers, well, thanks but no thanks. For all workers, 22 percent say this would make them more engaged at work.

4. Lighter workload

Workers in Chicago, Detroit, Austin and Los Angeles could really use a break in their workload, while those in Cincinnati, Dallas, Houston and St. Louis either don't mind a heavier workload or already have it easier. Across generations, millennials, Gen Zers and Gen X are fairly evenly split on being able to handle their workloads, while baby boomers are just getting tired. For all workers, 22 percent say this would make them more engaged at work.

3. Less bureaucracy/red tape

Workers in Cleveland, Raleigh, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C. could really handle less office bureaucracy and red tape, while those in Detroit, Des Moines, Phoenix and Seattle aren't that bothered by it, or are lucky enough not to have to deal with much of that. Across generations, millennials and Gen Zers don't mind it, while Gen Xers and baby boomers have had enough. For all workers, 31 percent say this would make them more engaged at work.

2. More challenging work

Workers in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco particularly want more challenging work, while those in Austin, Denver, Salt Lake City and Pittsburgh are challenged enough (or maybe some don't really care either way). Across generations, millennials and Gen Zers crave assignments that stretch them, while Gen Xers and baby boomers feel that they are already being stretched as it is. For all workers, 31 percent say this would make them more engaged at work.

1. Better perks (free food, nap rooms, onsite gyms)

Workers in San Francisco, Boston, Nashville and San Diego are particularly enamored with the idea of better perks, while those in Minneapolis, Cleveland, Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. don't care as much about the freebies. Across generations, millennials and Gen Zers really want better perks, and Gen Xers could really use more flex time and concierge services, but baby boomers, well, perks are just 'a nice to have,' but not really that necessary. For all survey respondents, 37 percent say this would make them more engaged at work.