Abstract
M.Com. (Industrial Psychology)
The main objective of this study was to explore and gain perspective on the quality of work life
of Generation Y employees through investigating their experiences within the workplace,
specifically focusing on the enhancing and inhibiting factors. Enhancing factors are those that are
made readily available by the organisation so as to ensure a productive and satisfied Generation
Y cohort. Hindering factors are those that, when absent, may impede productivity and the
generation’s need to reach their full potential. Consistent with the objectives of the study the
data-gathering technique used was a semi-structured interview; the interviews were conducted
with seven participants who were considered to have come from a knowledge environment.
Thematic analysis was utilised to create abstract themes from the participants’ narratives on their
experiences in the workplace, and the data was interpreted through an interpretive stance. The
study results indicated 12 main themes that are indicative of the factors that the participants
perceive as enhancing and inhibiting within the organisation. In addition, this study aims to be of
value to human resource practitioners, managers and the organisation as a whole, and to
implement suitable policies and management styles that will help retain, motivate and
accommodate this generation.