PHILADELPHIA, PA — March 21, 2011 — Despite signs the economy is steadily improving, most employees feel less secure in their jobs compared to a year ago, according to a survey of 581 American workers by Right Management. Right Management is the talent and career management expert within Manpower, the global leader in innovative workforce solutions.
Completed by the firm March 14, the online survey found that 71% reported they are less secure in their job than last year, while 14% feel just as secure and 15% more secure.
“We really expected a more optimistic outlook by employees,” said Douglas J. Matthews, Right Management’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “In fact, we thought most respondents would tell us they were feeling at least as secure as a year ago now that it appears the recession is well past its depth. But it seems it will take more time for people to get over the trauma of the long downturn, and job security is probably the sort of indicator that lags behind any good news.”
As further evidence, Matthews cited Manpower’s second quarter Employment Outlook which projects that 74% of employers plan no staffing changes. “In fact, 16% of companies expect to hike hiring, and just 6% foresee any staffing decreases. It seems the word just isn’t getting through or that employers have been overly reticent about communicating their staffing plans.”
Moreover, the persistent workplace unease, Matthews warned, poses a challenge for employers. “Perhaps some bosses want their people to feel insecure, just lucky to have a job. But savvy leaders know that such widespread deep anxiety is no good for the organization in the long run. In order for employees to do their best they need to have a sense they’re valued by their organizations and engaged in a worthwhile pursuit. Top management has to address the job security issue head on, and communicate to workers what their role is in the organization’s future success.”
Right Management surveyed 581 individuals via its web site between February 15 and March 14.
About Right Management
Right Management (www.right.com) is the talent and career management expert within Manpower, the global leader in innovative workforce solutions. Right Management helps clients win in the changing world of work by designing and executing workforce solutions that align talent strategy with business strategy. Our expertise spans Talent Assessment, Leader Development, Organizational Effectiveness, Employee Engagement, and Workforce Transition and Outplacement. With offices in over 50 countries, Right Management partners with companies of all sizes. More than 80% of Fortune 500 companies are currently working with us to help them grow talent, reduce costs and accelerate performance.
This press release was distributed through PR Web by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www.HRmarketer.com) on behalf of the company listed above.