Are your employees happy on the job? Jason, who works in a call center, says "You get paid to do your job, not to like it." This highlights the growing tension between employers and employees. Is this the attitude at your workplace? Some employers are using economic conditions as an excuse to overwork and underpay their employees. Unhappiness at work affects employee health, while it causes stress and depression. As companies deal with external changes, employees develop fatigue or burn-out from a lengthy period of stress, uncertainty and confusion brought about by the economy and their company's decisions. Employees who hate their job are a serious problem for business.
A good job can make employees happy. It can give them success, professional achievement and personal growth. It can let them contribute meaningful results. It can be a source of good relationships with both managers and co-workers. A good job can, really, be a lot of fun!
The report from Hewitt Associates found employee engagement with their employers at its lowest level in the 15 years the human resources consulting and outsourcing firm has studied the issue.
A good job can make employees happy. It can give them success, professional achievement and personal growth. It can let them contribute meaningful results. It can be a source of good relationships with both managers and co-workers. A good job can, really, be a lot of fun!
The report from Hewitt Associates found employee engagement with their employers at its lowest level in the 15 years the human resources consulting and outsourcing firm has studied the issue.
But companies with high levels of engagement (65 percent or greater) outperformed the total stock market index and posted shareholder returns 19 percent higher than average in 2009. Still not convinced? Companies with disinterested employees (40 percent or less engagement) had a total shareholder return that was 44 percent lower than average.
"Those companies who have had massive layoffs or haven’t really invested in their employees are not really poised for a rebound when things get better," according to Florida State University management professor Bill Anthony.
What can you do to improve employee morale? Luckily, it's not all about the compensation. Hewitt says companies that are successful at upping the happy factor even in the downturn have visible leaders and "provided ongoing updates to reduce employee uncertainty and stress." Four in five companies (82 percent) that have improved employees' happiness have created excitement about the future of the company.
"The most important asset is human capital. Financially strong companies know that."
What can you do to improve employee morale? Luckily, it's not all about the compensation. Hewitt says companies that are successful at upping the happy factor even in the downturn have visible leaders and "provided ongoing updates to reduce employee uncertainty and stress." Four in five companies (82 percent) that have improved employees' happiness have created excitement about the future of the company.
"The most important asset is human capital. Financially strong companies know that."
