Workplace discontent

In the past week, I've read some very interesting articles about the current workplace climate and, in particular, research into the effect that Bosses are having on their workers at this time.

The first is from Hudson, a recruitment agency, about how during the current downturn, employees are feeling concerned, distressed, and disgruntled but employers are totally missing this. The article talks about how Businesses are concerned even more with increasing productivity, but this means workers are working harder and longer hours, and end up feeling annoyed or stressed - not good for workplace relations. In the study quoted in the article, 32% of employees surveyed said that they felt their employers considered them lucky to even have a job, so they didn't need to recognise or reward the work employees are doing. This is leading to resentment, which, in turn, means that employees are increasingly seeking new jobs and are willing to leave their current job as soon as a better opportunity comes up.

The second article is from Stuff today, and talks about the idea that Bosses are reverting to a "1950s-style" management, where they are spending more time "bossing" their staff around than engaging with them. Bosses are employing cost-cutting measures like eliminating staff priviledges (such as coffee or biscuits) yet are still receiving comfortable pay packets and bonuses themselves. This is having the effect of alienating employees, making them feel unvalued. Also interestingly, this article briefly mentions Bosses who are now unwilling to receive input from those lower down the chain, resulting in the feeling of employees that Bosses see them as needing close supervision or don't trust them.

I feel like I've seen examples from both articles in my own workplace, and it seems like it is a common thing for Bosses not to notice how employees are feeling a bit alienated or undervalued at this time. I'm sure Dilbert would have something to say about soul-less managers who are oblivious to employee sentiment. In fact, here or maybe here or maybe even here. You know, Dilbert has something for every disgruntled employee moment, this also is applicable, as is this and even this. Oh wait - that one was not related, just funny.

Anway, I'm getting distracted. The point is, work places and bosses aren't opening their eyes to see employee discontent and stress in a time that is already difficult for all. If you show your employees you value them even more during a trying time than usual, they will really respect that - and will probably give the greater productivity you were hoping for by cutting hours/pay/biscuits and critically supervising their every move. Funny, isn't it.