Workers Give Employers a Mixed Report Card

By Dennis McCafferty

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Skeptical Crowd

Nearly one in four workers doesn't trust their employer, and one in three thinks their employer isn't always honest with staff.
Happy Reading

70% of employees surveyed said they're satisfied with their job, which is up slightly from 67% last year.
Internal Fuel

70% said they're motivated to do their best for their employer, which is the same as it was in 2013.
Dwindling Self-Esteem

Only 52% of workers said their organization makes them feel valued, down from 54% last year.
Onward and Upward

49% are happy with the growth and development opportunities offered by their employer, up slightly from 47% in 2013.
Working Equation

59% of workers are satisfied with the work-life balance practices of their employer, up slightly from 57% last year.
Diversity Dip

46% said their organization considers workforce diversity in developing new programs, policies and practices, down from 50% in 2013.
One-Way Conversation

45% of workers said their company regularly seeks feedback from employees, down from 47% last year.
Office Accolades

47% are pleased with the employee recognition practices of their company, which is the same as it was in 2013.
Staying Put

Only 27% of workers surveyed said they'll seek a new employer within the next year, down from 31% last year.
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A recent employee survey from the American Psychological Association (APA) presents a decidedly uneven perspective about how companies are doing with respect to numerous job satisfaction and fulfillment factors. The report, "2014 Work and Well-Being Survey," indicates that overall job satisfaction is relatively high and holding steady, but sentiments about development opportunities and employee recognition practices are lagging behind. More disturbing is the fact that a significant number of workers said they don't trust their employers. "This lack of trust should serve as a wake-up call for employers," says David Ballard, head of APA's Center for Organizational Excellence. "Trust plays an important role in the workplace and affects employees' well-being and job performance. The layoffs, benefit cuts and job insecurity that accompanied the recession put a strain on the employee-employer relationship, and people aren't quick to forget." More than 1,560 U.S. workers completed the survey, which was conducted by Harris Poll on behalf of APA.

This article was originally published on 2014-05-13

Dennis McCafferty is a freelance writer for Baseline Magazine.

Workers Give Employers a Mixed Report Card

Skeptical Crowd

Happy Reading

Internal Fuel

Dwindling Self-Esteem

Onward and Upward

Working Equation

Diversity Dip

One-Way Conversation

Office Accolades

Staying Put