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Most U.S. Workers Ready to Hunker Down to Regain Control
Sept. 4, 2009 — Despite the dismal economy and job market, a new survey shows that U.S. workers are ready to step up and regain control of their own and their companies’ destinies.
Randstad’s 2009 World of Work survey found that overwhelmingly the workforce is eager to move past ‘survival mode’ and focus on a thriving future:
- 78% of employees said they are staying motivated and focused by maintaining a positive attitude
- 91% said now is the right time to be innovative
- 90% said now is the right time to focus on the future
- 83% said now is the right time to expand their roles and responsibilities
- 55% said now is a good time to speak their mind
- 38% said now is a good time to take risks.
Survey results also show an “interesting” findings about employee attitudes regarding being laid off from their job:
- 25% expressed concern about being laid off in the next six months.
- Of those who aren’t concerned about being laid off, 52% attributed their lack of concern to having a positive attitude; this ranked higher than having a broad set of responsibilities (45%) and being a key player in the company’s future success (32%).
- Of those employees who are concerned about being laid off, 46% are exploring new opportunities at other organizations while, surprisingly, only 28% are exploring new opportunities within their current organization.
- Gen Y is more apt than any other generation to keep their options open and explore outside opportunities — 47% have updated their resume in the past six months and 26% have sent their resume to another organization or recruiter.
“While much attention has been given to those who have lost jobs and are suffering economic hardships, far less attention has been given to understanding, managing and motivating the workers who are still employed,” said Eileen Habelow, Randstad senior vice president for organizational development. “Many companies are missing the opportunity to energize their workforce by reminding them that their consistent, strong performance is key to the success of the company. Proactively harnessing their determination and commitment for future success is one of the smartest and often easiest strategies companies can adopt.”
Other key findings:
- 72% of employees reported a personal commitment to their organization
- 79% agreed that it is important that they help achieve their organization’s goals.
- 46% thought their organization is committed to their success.
- while 57% of employees describe themselves as loyal to their employer, up eight percentage points from 2008, the proportion of employees who consider their company loyal to them has remained virtually unchanged since 2005 (about 25%), despite major shifts in the economy. This sentiment has widened the 23-point gap that existed last year to create a larger 32-point gap this year.
- 83% of employees feel fortunate to still have their jobs
- 52% fear for their economic well-being
- 37% felt their work environment would become less enjoyable
- 34 percent were concerned their career progress will be slowed
- Only 12% of employees and 9% of employers are considering changing jobs in the next 12 months.
- Although the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports more men have lost their jobs than women, 58% of women fear for their economic security compared to 47% of men
- Being part of a workplace family is considerably less important to employees today (34%) than in 2003 (73%), representing a 39% drop
- 12% of employees surveyed expressed feeling envious of those who have left their organization.
“Companies need to do their part to keep workers connected, engaged and motivated,” Habelow said. “Now is the time to focus on the employees who can make the difference between surviving and thriving. By communicating their value and role in achieving business goals, employers can retain their top talent and achieve better results once the recession is over.”
Abbreviated Survey Methodology This survey was conducted online within the United States from March 23 to April 15, 2009, among 2,199 employees and 833 managers. Harris Interactive panel members reflected the U.S. population of adults age 18+, employed full-time or self employed, and employers involved in decision making on strategic HR issues for at least six months. Data is weighted using Propensity Score Weighting, a proprietary weighting technique that balances all of the characteristics (e.g. demographic, attitudinal, and behavioral) of online respondents in order to project the U.S. general population.
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http://dreamlearndobecome.blogspot.com This posting was made my Jim Jacobs, President & CEO of Jacobs Executive Advisors. Jim also serves as Leader of Jacobs Advisors' Insurance Practice.
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