Bummed Out by Benefits
Health insurance coverage today is a big bummer. A new USA Today/Gallup poll tracking 13 specific job aspects indicates that, when compared to how they felt before the global economic collapse in 2008, American workers today are most unhappy about their health insurance, followed by their chances for promotion and on-the-job stress. The poll results are based on telephone interviews conducted on August 11-14, 2011, with a random sample of 1,008 adults over the age of 18 living all across the United States.
On a positive note, the survey did find that workers tend to be more satisfied with the people they work with (their coworkers and bosses) and with several schedule-related aspects of their jobs, such as flexibility, vacation time and amount of work required of them. Still, fewer than half reported being completely satisfied with many important factors, such as the recognition they receive, their chances for promotion, their health insurance benefits, the retirement plan their employers offer and the amount of money they earn. According to Gallup, employers might want to take notice of a few things in these findings:
Together, the findings point toward an issue that may be bubbling under the surface of the nation’s unemployment problem. With more workers than jobs, workers who do have jobs may be staying in jobs that they are less satisfied with. Further, employers who are struggling financially may be cutting back on salaries, promotions, and health benefits — to the dissatisfaction of workers for whom those aspects may count more than ever. [“More U.S. Workers Unhappy With Health Benefits, Promotions” Gallup.com, Sept. 5, 2011]
Beyond wanting to retain your best workers, this can also impact your recruiting efforts. “People don’t necessarily think of these as being hiring issues, but they certainly can be,” says Bonnie Levitt, MSW, PHR, hireVision’s Director of Hiring Management. “That’s because the most desirable candidates could end up comparing two or more offers, and if your benefits aren’t as appealing as someone else’s, you could lose that great hire your company really needs. The Internet and social media make it easier than ever for people to find things about your workplace, too. Top talent might not even apply to your company in the first place if the benefits and company culture don’t sound appealing.”
Looking for a frank, productive discussion on how to make the most of your company’s benefit packages? Call (610-443-0119) or email us today to get connected with our team of experts and to find out more about hireVision’s HR Partnering Services and our unique HR DirectLink program.
