Work Values and Preferences of the New Workforce: HRM Implications for Macedonian Millennial Generation

Abstract

A new generation of employees is entering the workforce with new values and preferences toward work. The ways in which these expectations will affect the processes and methods that organizations attract and retain these employees, is an increasingly popular discussion among (HR) managers as they try to understand generational differences among new, younger employees. It is believed that today’s young people belong to the Millennial Generation (born 1981-2000), and many studies have confirmed the existence of their most important common characteristics, preferences and expectations toward work and life in general. But the question that arises is: Do all the young people sharing this birth age belong to this generation, no matter of the specifics of the national socio-political and historical background and individual socio-demographics? Therefore, the aim of this research paper is to investigate the work values and preferences of the Macedonian young generation in comparison to the available findings describing the Millennial Generation. For this study a combined approach of quantitative and qualitative research techniques is used. The research results can contribute to the human resource management practice and scientific literature.