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EMPLOYMENT BRIEFS; A collection of workplace trends and career tips

Source: Tribune Media Services

Down at the top

The cost-cutting actions that employers have been making to deal with the economy have contributed to a sharp decline in the morale and commitment of their workers, especially top performers, according to a survey by Watson Wyatt and WorldatWork. The 2009/2010 U.S. Strategic Rewards Survey found that employee engagement levels for all workers at the companies surveyed have dropped 9 percent since last year, and close to 25 percent for top performers. Compared with last year, top-performing employees are 26 percent less likely to be satisfied with advancement opportunities at their company. They are also 14 percent less likely to want to remain with their company versus take a job elsewhere. “This could have a long-lasting and detrimental impact on productivity, quality and customer service, as well as an increase in the risk of companies losing their best employees,” says Laura Sejen, global director of strategic rewards consulting at Watson Wyatt.

Road weary

Commuting to work can often be a chore but may be more so since the economic downturn, as vehicle owners are performing car maintenance less frequently compared to 2006. The research by Frost & Sullivan focuses on U.S. vehicle owners’ performance of regular vehicle maintenance such as engine oil changes, air filter changes, tire maintenance, etc., as well as their attitudes toward maintaining their vehicles. “With the current economic downturn, some vehicle owners find ways to put the breaks on expenses for regular vehicle maintenance,” explains, Mary-Beth Kellenberger, program manager with Frost & Sullivan’s automotive and transportation practice. “Getting an oil change less frequently accomplishes that goal.”

Scouts’ honor

A new survey on fundraising etiquette and effective techniques suggests that, if you want your officemates to buy more cookies and coupon books, cool it. The survey, sponsored by Entertainment Publications, found that office workers who go cube to cube selling items or who try to raise funds for themselves will not be very successful. Those who take the casual approach, however, will win both friends and dollars. “Fund raisers who leave products or catalogs out in common areas — like a company kitchen or break room — win more donors than those who ask office workers directly for their support,” said Amy King, vice president of marketing services for Entertainment Publications.

A woman’s work

Women presidents have shown they can adjust to the changing economic climate. Of female presidents and CEOs of multi-million dollar companies, 55 percent surveyed have maintained or grown their employee base, according to the annual economic survey by the Women Presidents’ Organization. Despite the economic downturn, 82 percent of these CEOs and presidents are optimistic about their company’s performance for 2010. “These statistics are evidence of the versatility and strength of companies owned by women entrepreneurs in the face of adversity,” says Marsha Firestone president and founder of the organization.

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