Improving workforce experiences at United States Federally Qualified Health Centers: Exploring the perceived impact of generational diversity on employee engagement

Verneda Bachus, Friend HealthFollow
Lihua Dishman, A. T. Still University of Health SciencesFollow
John W. Fick, A.T. Still University of Health SciencesFollow

Abstract

This qualitative study aimed to explore a multigenerational workforce’s impact on employee engagement as perceived by Federally Qualified Health Centers’ (FQHCs) C-suite executives. It sought to answer one research question: What is the perceived impact of generational diversity on employee engagement of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in the United States? This cross-sectional study was national. Primary data were collected using a self-developed, two-part survey instrument: (1) eight demographic questions and (2) two open-ended, short-answer questions. Cognitive interviews, reviews by five subject matter experts, and a pilot study were completed to ensure the instrument’s validity and reliability. Demographic data were analyzed using Minitab V19, and qualitative data were analyzed using MAXQDA V2020. The final sample (n=81) represented 6% of the 1,400 U.S. FQHCs and consisted of respondents from all five U.S. geographic regions: Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, Southwest, and West. Of the 81 FQHCs, one-third had a four-generation workforce, and over one-half had a five-generation workforce. A multigenerational workforce was important and necessary because of enhanced work creativity, improved problem solving, and a better representation of FQHCs’ diverse patients. Conversely, a multigenerational workforce also presented challenges, including the need to address generation-specific expectations, family dynamics, rewards and recognition, technology proficiency, and learning and training opportunities. Engaging a multigenerational workforce presented benefits and challenges. The benefits included fostering a sense of learning culture, transferring knowledge and skills, and promoting more representative patient communities which FQHC employees served. The challenges included varied expectations, different communication styles, and inter-generation perceptions in healthcare workplaces.

Experience Framework

This article is associated with the Staff & Provider Engagement lens of The Beryl Institute Experience Framework (https://www.theberylinstitute.org/ExperienceFramework).

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Recommended Citation

Bachus V, Dishman L, Fick JW. Improving workforce experiences at United States Federally Qualified Health Centers: Exploring the perceived impact of generational diversity on employee engagement. Patient Experience Journal. 2022; 9(2):17-30. doi: 10.35680/2372-0247.1715.