Australian workers are feeling stressed and neglected by their employers as a result of a preoccupation with the economic downturn, a new survey has found.
The 2010 job seeker survey, conducted by Sydney based finance and accounting recruitment firm Aequalis Consulting, found that 54 percent of employees felt that an increased workload during 2009-2010 was a major contributor to low morale and stress in the workplace. The survey also found that 22 percent would consider leaving their current employer without another job opportunity to go to.
These results conflict a survey conducted in May last year, where a survey of 315 workers suggested that 72 percent of respondents would stay in their current job due to the uncertainty in the economy, even if they were unhappy.
The contrast between the past and current feelings of employees should come as no surprise according to Director of Aequalis Consulting Simon Boulton, who claims that many employers have taken advantage of the economic conditions and neglected their employees.
“Employers need to better understand the changes in employees’ sentiment and expectations, and need to address succession planning and re introduce employee benefits such as training and development,” Mr Boulton said.
“Now is a good time for employers to empower hiring managers, and equip them with training and development in how to hire,” added Mr Boulton.
Aequalis Consulting suggests that while hiring is on the increase and teams are expanding many employers will need to have retention strategies in place, as disgruntled employees are prepared to walk.
