Workers Want Employers To Offer More Benefit And Incentives

Most employed Americans would like to work for an organization that invests in programs or benefits designed to create a more satisfied workforce, but little more than one-third actually work for a company that provides these incentives, according to a survey conducted for workforce management software firm Kronos Inc.

Of the more than 1,000 employed adults surveyed, over 80% said they consider programs intended to motivate employees to be important. However, just 36% of respondents indicated their employer invests in these incentives.

When asked what incentives they would most like their employer to offer, the top three responses among the workers surveyed were found to be competitive salary, 100% coverage of health care costs by the employer, and company matches of 401(k) contributions. Among the other benefits respondents said they value are bonus programs, flexible schedules, and compressed workweeks. When respondents who reported feeling satisfied with their current employer were asked why they were content, the top three responses were "I like my boss," "I am treated with respect," and "I am paid well."

The survey showed that 58% of respondents would consider leaving their current employer if the job market continues to improve, up from 46% in a comparable 2005 survey. Nearly three-quarters of respondents said they are actively or passively looking for a new job.

Researchers noted that, while the economy is growing, many workers appear to be dissatisfied with their wage increases and career advancement. Some 61% of workers surveyed said they are not experiencing the benefits of an improved economy in their work life. In addition, 67% of respondents employed six months or longer in their current position reported an increase in workload or responsibilities over the last six months, but just half of this group said they had received a pay raise during that time.