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ORCID
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-9892-4050
Date of Graduation
5-20-2026
Semester of Graduation
Spring
Degree Name
Master of Science in Education (MSEd)
Department
Department of Learning, Technology and Leadership Education
First Advisor
Amelia Underwood
Second Advisor
Tabitha Coates
Third Advisor
Laura Desportes Bowman
Abstract
This qualitative study sought to explore the meaning of employee engagement among Generation Y employees in the United States. Specifically, this research aimed to understand how Generation Y employees described their lived experiences of engagement and the motivational drivers that influence their engagement at work. The researcher interviewed five Generation Y employees. Two of them work in retail industry, two work in healthcare technology, and one works in higher education. The findings show that the participants have a shared meaning of engagement, defining engagement as alignment between their personal goals and organizational goals. In addition, participants shared lived experiences of engagement as community and collaboration with colleagues at work and opportunities for career growth and development. Participants discussed that relationship with their managers as well as culture of recognition and acceptance significantly influence their feeling of engagement. The implication of this study suggests that knowledge of the values and motivation of Generation Y employees is critical to developing engagement strategies that resonate with this generational cohort.
