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Sure, there are things that stress me out and situations that could improve, but I choose to focus on things I’m thankful for, such as my family, friends, job, house, car, health, etc.
In our current economy, employment has come to the top of the things-we’re-thankful-for list. Last week, the state Department of Employment Security said the October unemployment rate in Northeast Mississippi was 11 percent. Statewide, 9.5 percent of people were unemployed in October, matching the national rate.
So, I was surprised to see a survey come out late this month that said 60 percent of employees polled “intend to leave” their jobs – willingly. Another 21 percent said, “Maybe, so I’m networking,” according to the survey by Right Management, a talent and career management consulting firm.
Thirteen percent said they planned to stay in their current jobs. The remaining 6 percent said changing jobs was “not likely, but I’ve updated my resume.”
The main reason for the job changes, according to the survey?
“Employees are clearly expressing their pent-up frustration with how they have been treated through the downturn,” said Douglas Matthews, president and COO of Right Management. “While employers may have taken the necessary steps to streamline operations to remain viable, it appears many employees may have felt neglected in the process. The result is a disengaged and disgruntled work force.”
Anyone else surprised besides me?
Sure, I hear the employee grumblings caused by companies forgoing Christmas bonuses and annual pay raises. I also understand the added stress as employers look to cut labor costs and rely on fewer employees to do more work for the same pay.
I even know people who want to change jobs in order to find something more fulfilling.
But, in my opinion, 60 percent of the U.S. work force is not “disgruntled.” Right Management surveyed 904 employees in North America via an online poll. Maybe the method skewed the poll.
This is a classic case of how you view the glass – half-empty or half-full.
You can dwell on how “neglected” you feel or you can be thankful that your employer found you valuable enough to keep around.
As for me, I choose to be thankful.
Contact Carlie Kollath at (662) 678-1598 or carlie.kollath@djournal.com.
This is hardly the case anymore. Greed has caused many job losses in this country. The greed is not limited to just one side either. Many greedy union workers have caused businesses to uproot from northern states and move here to the south, in order to lower wages and benefits. And many greedy businessmen have moved their jobs overseas in hopes of reducing their labor costs to slave type wages and benefits.
My own brother-in-law worked at the same factory for 25 years. He had awards for 15 years of perfect attendance. After attending a banquet given to employees with 20 years or more of service, his job was eliminated less than 48 hours later. How much dedication do you expect him to give to his next employer?
It will be 5 years, this spring, since I or any of my coworkers have received a raise or an additional benefit. Do you really believe that the 60% is out of line?