The overworked workplace culture
Brent Renneke, Associate Editor
October 30, 2012
Filed under Brent Renneke
In a recent USA Today article, author Sharon Jayson cites a ComPsych Corp. survey where more than 1,880 workers were asked about their current stress level at their jobs.
The results show the gradual effects the Great Recession has had on employees, mainly an increased workload, and consequently stress levels, in their occupation. And with these developments, job satisfaction has also decreased.
The most interesting finding in the survey is employees are placing a higher priority on simply showing up to work, denoting the struggle the seemingly simple task has become. In fact, the survey found showing up was more of a priority than improving their performance. Since 2003 when the survey began, being present has increased 47 percent as a work priority, according to Jayson.
As our industry works to become as lean as possible, it is something to watch out for. Those surveyed find they are so overworked that simply arriving has become a struggle, and with that low job satisfaction, actual performance is taking a backseat to getting by.
Incentives related to job performance are an obvious motivating factor in ensuring your workforce continues to excel. However, it may not completely address satisfaction as stress levels peak. For that, many companies find simple recognition increases workforce satisfaction. Whether it is through an employee appreciation event or giving a gift card to an employee who went the extra mile, such small gestures can go a long way.
For full results of the survey, click here.
