The Miami Herald

February 28, 2005

 

Workers find it harder than ever to keep faith

A new study shows disillusionment among big companies' employees who feel their bosses don't care about them.

 

BY DIANE E. LEWIS

Boston Globe Service

 

In this era of mergers, layoffs and outsourcing, it's not surprising that some workers aren't enthused about their jobs -- or their bosses.

 

And the fact that Generations X and Y are not as loyal to employers as their parents were is yet another reflection of our times. With their parents' pink slips still clear in their minds, younger workers are shifting away from the all-consuming career and opting for personal and professional balance instead.

 

Results from a new study seem to support the premise that many workers are losing faith in their employers. Released by Harris Interactive, the New York market research firm, the survey of 7,718 working adults found that more than half don't trust their bosses. Others feel they've been treated unfairly and complain of being locked into dead-end jobs.

 

Thirty-six percent of the people surveyed said their managers are dishonest and do not act with integrity. Twenty-nine percent don't believe top managers care about helping them to advance or improve their skills, and more than 30 percent are in jobs that aren't going anywhere.

 

PROFOUND SHIFT

 

Ken Dychtwald, founder of Age Wave, a San Francisco organization that counsels the government and private employers on services and policies that impact baby boomers and older adults, believes the findings point to a profound shift in the way people see their employers and jobs. He says the accounting scandals, coupled with the sluggish economy and layoffs, contribute to the negative views.

 

The survey, sponsored by 24 U.S. corporations, including Age Wave, also reveals that younger workers are less likely to feel loyal to employers and are more distressed about the state of corporate America today.

 

In addition, many of the workers were more concerned about job security, healthcare coverage and professional development than a fatter paycheck, suggesting that employers will have to offer far more than extra pay to retain talent.

 

Overall, only 33 percent of the employees were satisfied with their jobs, and 12 percent were extremely satisfied. Just 20 percent felt passionate about their work, and less than 15 percent described their work as energizing. And only 31 percent reported their managers or employers inspired them to do their best work.

 

According to the study, managers seem to feel the same way. One-third didn't care about their employers; another third said they would be willing to promote their companies as great places to work. Just over a third said the companies they work for have inspired them.

 

SMALL FIRMS FARE WELL

 

The happiest employees? Workers at small companies. In all, 49 percent were satisfied with their jobs, 44 percent felt energized by their jobs, and 53 percent were passionate about the work they do, the study said. Of the workers at small firms, 64 percent really cared about their employers. Just 47 percent of the workers at big companies did. Sixty-one percent of the employees at small firms routinely give their best effort because they want to see their employer succeed. Only 43 percent of the workers at big firms agreed with that statement.

 

Seventy-four percent of the big firms allocate raises each year. However, only 34 percent of the small firms do so yearly. Eighty percent of the big corporations provide life insurance, but only 31 percent of the small companies do.

 

Of the workers at small firms, 64 percent said they cared about their employers. Just 47 percent of the workers at big companies said that. And 61 percent of the employees at small companies said they routinely give their best effort because they want to see their employer succeed. Only 43 percent of employees at big firms agreed with that statement.