Jon Katz
8/27/2008, 11:01 AM
Are your workers freaking out? According to Adecco’s latest Labor Day survey they might be. Employees are more concerned this year about high gas prices, salary freezes and work/life balance than they were last year.
Adecco found the top job-related worries in 2008 include:
High Gas Prices -- 25%
Stagnant Paycheck -- 13%
Work/life balance -- 12%
The Rising Cost of Health Care -- 9%
Job Market -- 7%
In 2007, the top five worries included:
Stagnant Paycheck --16%
Work/Life Balance -- 16%
High Gas Prices -- 12%
The Rising Cost of Health Care -- 12%
Job Market -- 4%
Overall, of the 2,034 adults U.S. workers surveyed, 81% are worried about their job. At the same time, only 25% are saving for unemployment.
Interestingly, Adecco recommends employees start squirreling away money to prepare for the worst. At the same time, though, employees indicate their paychecks aren’t getting any bigger while their expenses are rising. That, coupled with hiring freezes and layoffs means their workloads are likely getting heavier.
I doubt the current workplace climate is having a positive impact on morale and productivity. Who can feel good about their job when their pay is the same, everything is more expensive, and their employers demand more from them? Adecco offers a few ways employers and employees can improve their situation during such tough economic times.
For workers:
Always be saving: Regardless of the economic environment, it's always a smart strategy to put some money aside should your employment status change or you need emergency funds. This will allow you to be prepared and less panicked should you need these additional resources. A general guideline is to try and have three to six months expenses available to tide you over.
Keep exceeding expectations: The best companies always keep retaining and recruiting top talent as a top priority. If you continue to deliver strong results and exceed expectations, your chances of job security and on-the-job rewards will be greater.
Be flexible: Just as your worries and concerns have shifted, so have your employer's. Be mindful of these organizational shifts in strategy or priorities and be flexible to aligning your work goals with the company's.
For employers:
Be open and honest: Feelings of uneasiness are largely due to workers not feeling informed or appraised of what's happening to respond to the current business environment. Employers should communicate frequently and be as transparent as possible to calm these concerns.
Listen, listen, listen: Don't assume to know what's really worrying your workforce. Be active in gaining the feedback of your staff whether it be through issuing a survey, town hall discussion or one-on-one conversations. Hear them out and develop your plans based on their feedback.
Institute quick wins: Are gas prices the top issue? Think about offering the ability to work from home or providing top performers with the occasional gas card to show your appreciation. Is work-life balance the biggest concern? Provide more flex-time and formalize your offerings.
Adecco found the top job-related worries in 2008 include:
High Gas Prices -- 25%
Stagnant Paycheck -- 13%
Work/life balance -- 12%
The Rising Cost of Health Care -- 9%
Job Market -- 7%
In 2007, the top five worries included:
Stagnant Paycheck --16%
Work/Life Balance -- 16%
High Gas Prices -- 12%
The Rising Cost of Health Care -- 12%
Job Market -- 4%
Overall, of the 2,034 adults U.S. workers surveyed, 81% are worried about their job. At the same time, only 25% are saving for unemployment.
Interestingly, Adecco recommends employees start squirreling away money to prepare for the worst. At the same time, though, employees indicate their paychecks aren’t getting any bigger while their expenses are rising. That, coupled with hiring freezes and layoffs means their workloads are likely getting heavier.
I doubt the current workplace climate is having a positive impact on morale and productivity. Who can feel good about their job when their pay is the same, everything is more expensive, and their employers demand more from them? Adecco offers a few ways employers and employees can improve their situation during such tough economic times.
For workers:
Always be saving: Regardless of the economic environment, it's always a smart strategy to put some money aside should your employment status change or you need emergency funds. This will allow you to be prepared and less panicked should you need these additional resources. A general guideline is to try and have three to six months expenses available to tide you over.
Keep exceeding expectations: The best companies always keep retaining and recruiting top talent as a top priority. If you continue to deliver strong results and exceed expectations, your chances of job security and on-the-job rewards will be greater.
Be flexible: Just as your worries and concerns have shifted, so have your employer's. Be mindful of these organizational shifts in strategy or priorities and be flexible to aligning your work goals with the company's.
For employers:
Be open and honest: Feelings of uneasiness are largely due to workers not feeling informed or appraised of what's happening to respond to the current business environment. Employers should communicate frequently and be as transparent as possible to calm these concerns.
Listen, listen, listen: Don't assume to know what's really worrying your workforce. Be active in gaining the feedback of your staff whether it be through issuing a survey, town hall discussion or one-on-one conversations. Hear them out and develop your plans based on their feedback.
Institute quick wins: Are gas prices the top issue? Think about offering the ability to work from home or providing top performers with the occasional gas card to show your appreciation. Is work-life balance the biggest concern? Provide more flex-time and formalize your offerings.