So, How Happy is Your Staff?

Are you sure?

According to Working in America: The Disgruntled Workforce Survey, 77% of the more than 1,000 workers polled in the online survey are unhappy in their current position and are either actively or passively looking for a new job. The survey also revealed that 46% of those polled would consider leaving their current employer if the economy continues to improve.

In our executive coaching and leadership training engagements, we certainly don’t suggest “retention at any cost”. Chances are you have some performance issues on your staff that need to be more actively managed (or managed out). We can help you learn how to manage performance more effectively.

But what is the cost of the disgruntled workforce?

Conservative estimates put the cost of losing a departing employee at 50% of their annual salary (and the potential cost can be up to 300%).

But what about those people who have “left the company but haven’t left the company?” How much is it costing us to keep the people who checked out years ago but keep showing up for work?

The numbers are big. And it’s likely a force you’re having to deal with.

There are many strategies to deal with employee satisfaction, retention, and engagement. Give us a call if you’d like to talk specifically about your situation.

For now, keep Jerry Weinberg’s quote on illusion in mind: “It may look like a crisis but it’s only the end of an illusion.”

If you are leading under the assumption you have a staff of (mostly) happy campers, you may want to use The Disgruntled Workforce Survey as a wake up call. It could be you’re believing an illusion that is headed for crisis.

Take time to understand what the fundamental drivers of satisfaction are on your team. Remember that you’re not only responsible for delivering results. You must develop capability as well, and building an engaged, highly productive team doesn’t just happen.

It requires you to lead. Perhaps 77% of your staff is waiting for your next move.

posted by Andy at 2:00 PM