The Relationship between Work Values, Work-Life Balance and Employee Committee : A Case Study of Generation Y Hotel Employees in Phuket

Abstract

The objectives of this study were (1) to assess the work values, work-life balance, and employee commitment of Generation Y hotel employees in Phuket: (2) to measure the impacts of Generation Y demographic characteristics (in terms of gender, education, and working experience) on the work values, work-life balance and employee commitment: and (3) to examine the influence of work values and work-life balance factors on Generation Y employee commitment. A questionnaire was applied for the data collection. Generation Y hotel employees in 3-star to 5-star hotels in Phuket were the target. Five hundred and twenty questionnaires were distributed, and 406 were returned and usable. The results showed that Generation Y hotel employees had relatively high work values and moderately high levels of work-life balance. Generation Y hotel employees also have high commitment to their current employers. The demographic characteristics in terms of gender have influence on work values, work-life balance and employee commitment. In contrast, education and working experience do not any impact on employee commitment. However, education and working experience have influence on work values and work-life balance. Additionally, there was a positive relationship between work values (work centrality, non-compliance, and recognition), work-life balance factors (life orientation, enough time off work, workplace support, and maintaining work and career), and employee commitment. The results of this study will be useful for hotel managers to develop strategies to attract and retain Generation Y employees in Phuket and clearly understand the issue of work value differences in Generation Y hotel employees.