National employees feel unappreciated, survey says

By Paula Burkes

Published: August 31, 2008

As Americans prepare to celebrate the Labor Day holiday, employees are feeling unappreciated and anxious about their futures, according to studies released this week by Adecco human resources firm and Rutgers University.

In a survey of 1,000 Americans, Rutgers found 15 percent anticipate layoffs at their company in the next 12 months and one in three workers is concerned about job security.

In the three months preceding the May survey, 14 percent had reductions in hours while 18 percent worked more hours, often to make up for laid-off employees.

In its July 30-Aug. 1 online poll of 2,034 adults, Adecco found 81 percent are worried about something when it comes to their job.

High gasoline prices are the No. 1 concern, followed by stagnant paychecks (13 percent), work-life balance (12 percent) and the rising cost of health care (9 percent).

Workers' feelings of appreciation has dropped significantly from last year. Seventy-five percent feel somewhat or very appreciated, compared with 91 percent in 2007.

The findings, experts say, should be calls of actions for employers to focus on employee retention.

"If employers don't treat workers well, employees will leave when this semi-recession passes,” said Tony Wolters of Wolters Search Group in Tulsa. "I don't think we can suggest yet that Oklahoma got through this downturn without damage.

"Tulsa is sort of an island and often experiences delayed effects.”

Meantime, Wolters recommends employers maintain competitive benefit packages, keep workers challenged, not overwork them and, perhaps most importantly, maintain candid and open communications.

Oklahoma City-based Express Employment Professionals is on it. The staffing company Aug. 15 began giving a monthly $60 gas subsidy to employees who earn less than $40,000 a year.

"It's wonderful,” said Brenda Killgore in accounting. "Omigosh, what a strain it takes off.”

Express' gas subsidy grew out of quarterly meetings between company founders and employees, spokesman Sean Simpson said.

"The company,” he said, "continues to look for ways to enhance our total employment package.” Among other perks, it provides all employees a monthly $50 clothing allowance, along with free use of a new on-site gym.

In economic downturns, bosses are more arbitrary about who they let go, said Stephen Viscusi, workplace columnist and author.

"It's easier to fire the people they don't know, don't like or don't see. Build a rapport with the boss,” Viscusi said. "Don't inundate him with personal problems, but do, for example, let him know your mom has breast cancer.”

If employees still are fingered for firing, they should renegotiate for a lower salary and look for a new job, Viscusi said. Studies show it can take displaced workers, especially those 40 and older, up to 24 months to find a new job.

Comments