Intrinsic motivation of Millennials and Generation Z in the new post-pandemic reality

Abstract

The effective performance of any company is determined by the degree of motivation of its staff. In a pandemic, it is important to explore changes in the values and motivational profiles of staff, especially young people. The aim of the paper is to study the internal motives of millennials and Generation Z, to identify modern motivational tools, taking into account the challenges of an unstable global ecosystem. To assess the changes in the motives for work, a questionnaire was used. The survey was conducted (at the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021) among young people in Kyiv (Ukraine) aged 17-22 (287 people participated), who had previous work experience. All results were proven to be valid. The results of the study showed that changes in the motivational profile of millennials and Generation Z under the influence of restrictive measures due to the pandemic occurred in the range of values of awareness of individuality: motives for maintaining health, balancing life, personal and professional growth came out to be more relevant. Such changes indicate positive opportunities for young people due to high adaptability to changing and unstable conditions, and, on the other hand, they bring challenges for companies – the loss of personnel. The most optimal models will be career-oriented and adaptive with elements of well-being management to motivate millennials and Generation Z.