Labor Day Survey Reveals Unspoken Needs of America's Employees
"Working in America: The Key to Employee Satisfaction" survey shows Americans want better healthcare coverage, better compensation, and respect from employers
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CHELMSFORD, Mass., Aug. 28, 2007 — As recruiting talent in a limited hiring pool and retaining good employees become increasingly challenging for employers, the Workforce Institute™ announced the findings of a new survey conducted by Harris Interactive® and sponsored by Kronos® Incorporated, which found healthcare coverage is a potential answer to addressing these concerns this Labor Day. The "Working in America: The Key to Employee Satisfaction" survey found exceptional healthcare coverage to be the most desired benefit currently not offered by employers. To further support this point, the 1,223 U.S. employees surveyed also ranked a comprehensive healthcare benefits program among the top three reasons they have stayed with their longest-term employer. In addition, among the benefits employees currently do not have, the 100 percent coverage of healthcare costs by the employer is considered a more desirable benefit to employees than competitive salary.
"Because companies are in a constant battle to retain the best and the brightest talent, we feel these findings are important for organizations to consider when implementing changes within their environment," said Jim Kizielewicz, vice president of corporate strategy at Kronos. "An example that really struck me is that nearly half of all workers who are actively looking for other employment are looking while at work, and that is a dramatic number that cannot go ignored."
Boosting retention with added benefits
The "Working in America: The Key to Employee Satisfaction" survey found that employees continue to be dissatisfied with their job as 62 percent of employed adults are currently either actively or passively looking for a new job. This data supports a year-over-year trend in employee satisfaction, with 41 percent of those looking for a new job looking while at work in 2006 and 39 percent in 2005, indicating that employees are still looking for better opportunities.
Since it appears that an organization's employee benefits are a key driver of employee satisfaction, the study identified exactly which programs and activities are desired. Healthcare coverage has become a top priority, with competitive salary and other concerns such as bonus programs and compressed work weeks following as high priorities for employees. Other popular workplace perks identified by survey participants included 401(k) matching and full tuition reimbursement. In the 2007 survey, 40 percent of employees indicated that of the benefits currently offered by employers, 401(k) matching is the most-valued benefit, indicating that many employers still aren't offering many of the benefits employees most seek.
Balancing long hours with rewarding work
In the last six months, 61 percent of employed adults have experienced an increase in their responsibilities or workload, while only 44 percent of workers have received a raise in that same time period, an eight percent decrease from the findings of Kronos' 2006 "Working in America" survey.
With most employees required to carry a heavier workload without any form of increased monetary compensation, many expect other forms of recognition. In addition to benefits, the Kronos survey found that among employees with five or more years of tenure with any employer past or present, 26 percent of employees appreciate feeling rewarded and inspired in their job and consider this to be a leading reason to stay with their current employer. While increased salary continued to be the top indicator of being rewarded, finding inspiration on the job grabbed the number two spot. The survey found that a shocking 19 percent of employed adults with less than five years of tenure with any employer past or present resigned from an employer for feeling a lack of such inspiring work.
"The survey reveals what most working families knew already: the American workforce is taking on more responsibilities and longer hours. Moreover, their contribution is showing up on the firm's bottom line and in the nation's productivity accounts," said Jared Bernstein, senior economist at the Economic Policy Institute. "Too often, however, it is not showing up in their paycheck or benefits package. Along with competitive pay, employees are clearly looking for increased fringe benefits, most importantly, healthcare. Employers who recognize and respond to these needs will be rewarded with stronger employee relationships and a more dedicated workforce."
Increasing satisfaction with respect and communication
Another startling finding from the "Working in America: The Key to Employee Satisfaction" survey included 32 percent of respondents who were not satisfied with their current employer stating that being treated with respect was one of the top ways an employer could improve their satisfaction. In addition, when those with less than five years of tenure with a single employer were asked to identify the reasons for resigning, 15 percent of employed adults indicated there was a lack of respect from their employer. These results showcase that employees are not having positive interactions with employers to the extent that it is compromising their commitment to the job.
Communication was another concern found among employees surveyed. In fact, the 2007 survey found that 13 percent of employees whose tenure was less than five years with any employer felt their employer did not communicate well with them, with 24 percent of those who are not satisfied with their current employer stating that communicating well with employees and seeking their feedback is key to satisfaction.
The final key to a satisfied workforce
While Kronos' 2007 survey suggests that many employers are still facing challenges to satisfying their workforce, the results also provide hope for what employers can do to address these issues. Best practice organizations are successfully implementing programs and benefits that balance the needs of employees and business, as well as using innovative technology solutions to effectively manage their workforce. As a result, these organizations are able to reduce costs, increase productivity, improve employee satisfaction, and ultimately enhance the level of service they provide.
Survey methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of Kronos between July 19th and July 27th of 2007 among 1,223 US adults (aged 18 and over) who are employed full time. Figures for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region and household were weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions in the US adult population. With a pure probability sample of 1,223, one could say with a ninety-five percent probability that the overall results would have a sampling error of +/- 2.8 percentage points. Sampling error for data based on sub-samples would be higher and would vary. However, that does not take other sources of error into account. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no theoretical sampling error can be calculated.
About Harris Interactive®
Harris Interactive is the 13th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world. The company provides innovative research, insights and strategic advice to help its clients make more confident decisions which lead to measurable and enduring improvements in performance. Harris Interactive is widely known for The Harris Poll, one of the longest running, independent opinion polls and for pioneering online market research methods. The company has built what it believes to be the world's largest panel of survey respondents, the Harris Poll Online. Harris Interactive serves clients worldwide through its North American, European and Asian offices, and through a global network of independent market research firms. More information about Harris Interactive may be obtained at www.harrisinteractive.com.
About Kronos Incorporated
Kronos Incorporated empowers organizations around the world to effectively manage their workforce. At Kronos, we are experts who are solely focused on delivering software and services that enable organizations to reduce costs, increase productivity, improve employee satisfaction, and ultimately enhance the level of service they provide. Kronos serves customers in more than 60 countries through its network of offices, subsidiaries, and distributors. Widely recognized as a market and thought leader in managing the workforce, Kronos has unrivaled reach with more than 30 million people using a Kronos solution every day. Learn more about Kronos at www.kronos.com.
Note to Editors
Cite survey findings as: "Working in America: The Key to Employee Satisfaction" survey conducted by Harris Interactive and commissioned by Kronos Incorporated.