Managers and professionals are pretty happy with their jobs and organizations even after the economic turmoil of the past two years. But they also feel overloaded and have issues with work-life balance, according to a new report from the Center for Creative Leadership.
Findings from CCLs Workplace Attitudes 2010 report reflect the feelings of 1,500 North American managers, executives, and professionals who have maintained their employment throughout the recession and are engaged in improving their work skills. The report responses from January 2009 through June 2010 are similar to those from a 2008 CCL report.
All in all, 90 percent of respondents liked working for their company, and 80 percent were satisfied with their jobs. Responses were generally positive from all levels of managers, executives, and professionals; however, the higher the level, the more positive the responses, says Jennifer Deal, senior research scientist for CCL.
Respondents reported being committed to their organizations: 74 percent discuss their organizations with others, and 64 percent say they would be happy to spend the rest of their careers with the organization. Women expressed slightly less commitment than men, and Generation Xers expressed slightly less commitment than Baby Boomers.
As far as motivation, most respondents reported high intrinsic motivation (enjoyment of the work itself) and identified motivation (drive to achieve goals). However, professionals report more extrinsic motivation (related to pay and benefits) than C-level executives.
Respondents reported working an average of 50 hours per week. Deal noted that people of all levels are experiencing work-family conflict. More than half of all respondents reported feeling overloaded and having difficulty in balancing work with personal obligations. Women (72 percent) scored this as more of a problem than men (60 percent).
Overall, managers and executives see a positive future and plan to stay with their organizations: 73 percent arent thinking about quitting, and 78 percent dont intend to quit. Only 17 percent say they will look for a new job in the future.
The report also showed a decline in an individuals intention to stay in her current job: 91 percent plan to stay for the next six months, 84 percent plan to stay for the next year, and only 56 percent plan to be there in five years.
These employees have been willing to step up and help their employers by working long hours for the sameor lessin pay and benefits, but at some point that pace is no longer sustainable, says Deal. The work overload results indicate that point is rapidly approaching."
