The cost-cutting actions employers have pursued to deal with the economic crisis have taken a toll on employee morale and commitment, especially among top performers.
Employee engagement levels within the past year fell nearly 10% overall and 23% for top performers among 1,300 full-time workers at 235 large U.S. employers responding to a joint survey by WorldatWork and Watson Wyatt. The researchers suggest a need for rethinking benefit and compensation strategies, and where voluntary benefits come into play, the challenge is to broaden choice without making it seem like another takeaway.
Additionally, 41% believe that pay and benefit changes made have had a negative effect on work quality and customer service, while 36% of top performers say their company’s situation has worsened and the number who would recommend others take jobs at their company has declined by nearly 20%.
