The paper focuses on issues of work motivation and work ethic believes presented by members of orga- nizations. Ryan Deci’s Self Determination Theory (2000) and Weber’s work ethic concept (2011) serve as a theoretical basis for the explanation of work attitudes. The aim of our research is to present how the generational affiliation differentiate work ethic and work motivation in three groups of employees. The sample consists of 312 employees from Polish organizations in various industries. The study did not confirm any differences between age groups in their attitude towards work (work ethic), except from the acceptance of hard work. Young workers value the hard work more than others and they believe it leads to success. Significant differences also have been confirmed in the case of amotivation (scores higher for older employees) and external regulation (lower scores in older workers).