Retention and Engagement of Generation Y Engineers

This hermeneutic phenomenological study explored the retention and engagement of Generation Y engineers in South Africa. In-depth interviews were conducted with six Generation Y engineers and data were analysed through interpretive phenomenological analysis. Findings demonstrate that hygiene retention factors are fundamental to engagement even though such factors do not enhance engagement. Generation Y engineers ascribe to task and work setup engagement, yet their retention behaviour is ultimately directed by their career engagement. Organisations wanting to retain Generation Y engineers should focus on hygiene factors, task and work-setup engagement as well as career engagement.