Federal work life programs and generational perception: an exploratory study using evidence from OPM’s work life survey

摘要: Understanding the work-life needs of all public sector employees is key to revitalizing government agencies and the services they deliver. Using the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s very first Federal Work Life Survey (2018), this study examines intergenerational variations of perceived satisfaction from federal work-life programs, supervisory support to participate in federal work life programs, and the moderating effect of work-life programs on an employee’s intention to leave. Our study confirms the existence of generational differences amongst millennials, generation X, baby boomers, and traditionalists and highlights the benefits of work-life programs for employees across generations, with particular emphasis on their attractiveness to younger workers, and the need to discover and create innovative ways to retain workers across generations in the federal workforce.