Appreciation in hospitality workplaces, a job characteristics model application from a Generation Z perspective

Hospitality businesses are struggling to recruit and retain employees at all levels, with Generation Z employees being among the drivers of what is termed The Great Resignation. Employee appreciation and recognition have long been considered important elements in improving organisations' productivity, motivation, and retention. This paper empirically explores the linkages between appreciation and job core characteristics and meaningfulness as per the Job Characteristics Model. It demonstrates the importance of the factor of job significance for Generation Z as well as of feedback. Contextual factors such as relationships with colleagues and superiors, organisational culture, and role-modelling of leaders emerge as positive elements of work environments favoured by Generation Z employees in hospitality. Theoretical contributions address the suitability of the model in this context and the need to incorporate moderator effects pertaining to appreciation therein.