Intergenerational climate and work engagement: The mediating role of perceived age discrimination in a sample of older workers

Abstract

Given that different generations can be found in the workplace, due to the increase of work life cycle, research regarding the impact of intergenerational climate and perceived age discrimination on work engagement is of relevance, especially among older workers, as those most impacted by age discrimination. The objective of this study was to investigate intergenerational climate and work engagement, and whether this relationship is mediated by age discrimination. The hypotheses were tested in a sample of 201 Portuguese workers with 45 or more years of age, by means of regression. Findings showed that intergenerational inclusiveness and affect, retention and intergenerational affect, and generational stereotypes are negatively related to perceived age discrimination. Furthermore, work engagement seems to only be positively impacted by intergenerational inclusiveness and affect. Age discrimination did not act as a mediator. Theoretical and practical implications to human resources management strategies in organizations are discussed.