Only 30 percent of American employees feel engaged
or inspired at their jobs and the vast majority of U.S. workers -- 70 percent
-- are not reaching their full potential, a Gallup study concluded.
The 2013 State of the American Workplace Report estimates that
widespread disinterest and unhappiness in the office is not only affecting
company performance, but is costing the U.S. $450 billion to $550 billion a
year.
Note: if these statistics are true, why then is the most intelligent country in the world, ignoring this workplace situation? Why do we, as American Leaders, refuse to see or deal with this problem? Is it arrogance or greed or simply that no one gives a damn?
Through thousands of questionnaires sent to
employees, Gallup determined whether America's 100 million full-time workers
were "engaged," "not engaged" or "actively
disengaged" at their jobs.
Those who were "engaged" said they are
passionate about their work and feel a connection to their company -- they are
responsible for the most innovation within their organization.
Those who were
"not engaged" act "checked out"; although they put time and
effort into their work, they don't have energy or passion. While 30 percent
said they were engaged, about half of Americans (52 percent) fall into the
latter category.
And those who are "actively disengaged"
aren't just unhappy -- they act out their unhappiness by undermining what their
engaged coworkers accomplish. Gallup found that 18 percent of Americans feel
this way about their job.
The study also found that organizations that are
hiring have nearly four times more satisfied employees than companies that are
letting go of workers.
Popular -- and oftentimes expensive -- strategies to
boost work morale, like ping pong tables and catered meals, aren't really
helping either, according to Gallup. The report concluded that the mood at the
office comes from the top down; if managers focused on their employees
strengths more, the study estimates, they could double the average of U.S.
workers who have strong performance.
"Here's something they'll probably never teach
you in business school: The single biggest decision you make in your job --
bigger than all of the rest -- is who you name manager," wrote Gallup CEO
and Chairman Jim Clifton.
Being able to work from home may also help a
company's output. Gallup found that on average, those who worked remotely
logged 46 hours a week -- compared to on-site employees, who logged in an
average of 42 hours a week.
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