Workers Give Employers a Mixed Report Card

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.