Work Isn’t a Labor of Love: Labor Day Stats Show 70% Hate their Jobs

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Many people regard Labor Day as a time to re-evaluate and recharge, and many employees are now making resolutions to improve their current situation at work.  There’s a good reason for this, as recent statistics drawn from many studies point to a workforce that is generally unhappy and often unhealthy.

More employees report they hate their jobs than ever before.  And one particularly alarming stat concerns the increasing number of employees suffering from burnout.  In fact, according to Kronos, 95% of Human Resource leaders say employee burnout is sabotaging workforce retention.

Overall, studies paint a troubling picture of an over-worked, under-respected, and underpaid workforce.   Also an unstable workforce, with the increasing likelihood that your coworker next door won’t be there next year.

The numbers—and the stress—add up.  Some examples:

  • Burnout isn’t healthy, and there are other health risks connected to over-working, with a 33% increased risk of stroke among employees who work 55 or more hours per week, compared to those with a 35-to 40-hour week.

 

  • According to Gallup, a whopping 70% of those surveyed either hate their jobs or are totally disengaged. Not even incentives and extra benefits seem to help.

 

  • An unhappy, disengaged workforce takes a huge economic toll, leading to increased turnover and sick days, resulting in poor performance, and costing organizations between $450 and $550 billion

 

  • It’s not just about pay. 65% of respondents have indicated that respectful treatment of all employees at all levels was a very important contributor to their job satisfaction.  Most of them feel under-appreciated.

 

  • What about workforce stability? 35% of employees have changed jobs within the past three years; 91% of them left their company to do so.

The stakes are high regarding these and related workplace issues, and there are implications for employers as well as staff.  For example, to promote productivity and protect the bottom line, it might be time to adopt a wellness program. Or it may be as simple as providing employees with frequent opportunities to express themselves and discuss their needs in the workplace.  Being heard can be very powerful.

For employees, it’s time to consider how to take charge and unlock your potential.  It’s time to stop being complacent and start being proactive.  So, take a hard look at your employment situation.  If you don’t love it, maybe it’s time to leave it.  Or at least work to fix it.

This Labor Day, consider what it would take for you to be happy at work.  Learn how to work smarter, not necessarily longer.  Compose your resolutions for the new work year.  One of which might be to talk to a professional career coach to guide you and help you stay on track.

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