PUCPR study reveals generational gaps in Puerto Rico’s workforce
A two-year study by the Observatorio de Sociedad, Gobernanza y Políticas Públicas (Observatory of Society, Governance and Public Policy) at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico in Ponce has found sharp generational contrasts in how Puerto Ricans view their work, their level of engagement and their willingness to stay in their jobs.
The report, titled “Diferencias Generacionales en Trabajadores de Puerto Rico: Engagement con el trabajo, pasión laboral, ética del trabajo e intención de abandonar el empleo,” or “Generational Differences Among Puerto Rican Workers: Engagement, Work Passion, Work Ethic and Intent to Leave Employment,” surveyed 1,039 participants across Generations X, Y and Z.
According to the research team led by Hernán A. Vera-Rodríguez, with co-investigators Jennifer Castellanos-Barreto and Laura Pietri-Gómez, all generations identified the same priorities: better pay, more flexibility and improved benefits. Yet younger respondents — Generation Y, or millennials, and members of Generation Z, or centennials — were more likely than older workers to consider leaving their jobs.
“This research took an average of two years of fieldwork,” said Vera-Rodríguez, director of the observatory. “Its purpose was to understand the possible differences in the modern workplace among workers from Generations X, Y and Z.”
About half of participants were from Generation X, 36.7% from Generation Y and 13.3% from Generation Z. Three-quarters worked full-time, and nearly half earned less than $2,000 a month after deductions.
Generation X scored highest in engagement, passion and work ethic, while younger groups expressed stronger intentions to resign.
Focus groups showed a clear shift in outlook: Younger workers viewed jobs mainly as tools to reach personal goals, while older ones saw work as integral to their identity.
Despite the differences, participants across age groups agreed that satisfaction depends on fair pay, flexibility and comprehensive benefits.
“It was interesting to hear how each generation perceives the way younger generations work,” Castellanos-Barreto said. “Generation X agreed that young people are not committed, Generation Y disagreed and Generation Z acknowledged that both types of young people exist.”
Economic, social changes affect attitudes
The authors noted that younger workers’ attitudes may reflect broader economic and social changes. Over the past two decades, Puerto Rico has seen mass layoffs, private-sector downsizing, stagnant wages and the spread of contract and part-time work.
These shifts, the study said, may have weakened trust in traditional job stability and may help explain lower engagement among younger generations.
The report recommends that employers update compensation structures, expand flexible work arrangements and design policies that promote balance between work and family life.
It also calls for education and media efforts to reinforce values such as responsibility, punctuality and efficiency to strengthen the island’s productivity culture.
“Organizations must go beyond administrative management and understand the different generational needs to attract and retain committed talent,” the authors wrote.
PUCPR President José A. Frontera-Agenjo said the observatory’s work provides insight for public policy.
“Through expert input and continuous research, our university remains at the forefront of addressing the country’s challenges,” he said. “We seek to influence public policy positively to foster better quality of life, strengthen democratic governance, and promote sustainable development for future generations,” he said.
