Attracting and Retaining Generation Y Engineering and Business Professionals in the Middle-East

The Saudi Arabia population demographics signal the retirement of Generation X workers and the entry of a large Generation Y segment. However, little is known about Gen Y professionals in the Middle-East. This study examined the life and work priorities of Saudi Gen Y engineering and business professionals. Results from the Schwartz Value Inventory and Twenge et al.’s (2010) motivational model showed that Saudi Gen Y regarded Security, Tradition and Conformity as most important life values, and were most motivated by intrinsic and extrinsic work motivators. The conclusion provided suggestions for the effective recruitment and retention of Gen Y professionals.