According to the annual online Valentine’s Day American Workplace Insights Survey from Adecco Group North America and conducted by Harris Interactive, attitudes have shifted from a year ago as fewer U.S. workers (72%) love their job just as much or more now than they did in 2009 (78%). In fact, only 39% feel the economic situation has caused them to appreciate their jobs more - a significant dip compared to more than half (55%) of workers feeling this way a year ago. In addition, workers’ acceptance to work harder to avoid layoffs (17%) and willingness to work longer hours (19%) are slightly fading compared to 2009 (20% and 21% respectively).
Additional survey findings include:
Gen Y is Nervous and Falling Out of Love with their Jobs:
More than a quarter (26%) of Gen Y workers are nervous about the instability of their job and 27% love their job less than last year, nearly a 10% jump over the 16% who felt this way last year.
Gen X Most Likely to “Do Over” their Career if They Could:
If workers had the option to start their careers over again, about half (51%) would change their current profession, particularly Gen X workers. Fifty-six percent of them said they would start over compared to only 38% of older adults “Silent Generation.”
Less Appreciation and Confidence in Management:
Only 7% of workers noted the economic situation had positively impacted their confidence in their executive team versus 90% in 2009. Additionally, there’s less appreciation for bosses as only 10% of workers appreciate their boss more in 2010 as a result of the economic situation.
Adecco Group North America provides the following tips for employers as they prepare for a potential shift in the job marketplace:
Open the Door to Communicating with Employees:
The best employers keep their staff informed and embrace an open door policy through forums such as town hall meetings, open conference calls, regular email communication, newsletters, etc. - helping to drive employee confidence and productivity.
Make Retention a Top Priority Now:
Retention efforts begin through mutual dialogue and building trust. Managers should engage their employees in the realities of the business challenges to foster employees’ understanding of the market and competition.
Explore Opportunities to Recognize and Reward:
Improving morale just by recognizing good work can help ease compensation complaints. In addition, gestures of appreciation - a thank you email/note, recognition during meetings, a small gift card or surprise pizza lunch, can be impactful and effectively demonstrate appreciation for hard work and dedication.
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