PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 7, 2010 – Seventy-nine percent of employees report that their workloads increased as a result of layoffs at their company, according to a survey by Right Management. As many as 57% believe workloads have grown “a lot.” Right Management is the talent and career management expert within Manpower, the global leader in employment services.
The firm analyzed responses from more than 800 individuals throughout North America via an online poll conducted in partnership with LinkedIn®.
“Employees are likely feeling the pressure of more streamlined operations, increasing demands and tighter competition,” said Deborah Schroeder-Saulnier, Senior Vice President for Global Solutions at Right Management. “Most employees, from all industries and company sizes, have been asked to step up and make a greater contribution. Without appropriate communication, many will feel unprepared and ill equipped to handle more responsibility.”
Among key findings:
· Employees at large organizations feel the heat more, with 68% saying their workloads have increased “a lot” compared to only 33% at small organizations.
· Younger workers are experiencing increased workloads the most with 60% of workers 25-34 reporting their workloads have increased “a lot” followed by 59% of those 18-24.
· Twenty-one percent of men believe their workloads “were about the same” compared to only 14% of women.
Schroeder-Saulnier advises that management must pay attention to the new realities. “Acknowledge increased workloads and instill a spirit of collaboration and opportunity during tough times. Encourage employees to build new skills. Look for solutions together. Giving employees ownership and engaging them in the discussion enhances satisfaction and commitment. This will put the firm in a much stronger competitive position as the market improves.”
Schroeder-Saulnier advises workers to stay flexible during times of change, as well as to ask questions and get the direction and guidance they need. At the same time, managers need to clarify expectations. “If the organization is operating in an environment where there isn’t any budget for additional resources, employees need to know up front. Don’t shy away from the reality. Be open and honest, but help to equip employees with the information and resources to manage their expanded responsibilities.”
Schroeder-Saulnier provides four tips to help employees handle increased workloads:
§ Prioritize projects and tasks in alignment with your manager’s priorities.
§ Clarify new expectations and your specific role in the organization’s success.
§ Develop new skills and capabilities.
§ Keep focused on business impact, evaluating all new responsibilities in the context of whether or not they will positively impact the business in the desired timeframe.
Any change that significantly impacts an employee’s workload needs to be carefully communicated, advises Schroeder-Saulnier. “Open communication will go a long way in ensuring all parties deliver on the new expectations. Expanded or new roles need to be outlined so employees know how they contribute to the success of the firm. Communication between managers and employees should be at heightened levels.”
Right Management surveyed 845 individuals via an online poll on LinkedIn® conducted between March 11 and March 30, 2010.
About Right Management
Right Management (www.right.com) is the talent and career management expert within Manpower, the global leader in employment services. Right Management helps clients win in the changing world of work by designing and executing workforce solutions that align talent strategy with business strategy. Our expertise spans Talent Assessment, Leader Development, Organizational Effectiveness, Employee Engagement, and Workforce Transition and Outplacement. With offices in over 50 countries, Right Management partners with companies of all sizes. More than 80% of Fortune 500 companies are currently working with us to help them grow talent, reduce costs and accelerate performance.
The HR industry´s premier online community and resource for Human Resource professionals: HR, human resources, HR community, human resources community, HR best practices, best practices in human resources, online communities for HR, HR articles, HR news, human resources articles, human resources news, HR events, leadership, performance management, staffing and recruitment, benefits, compensation, staffing, recruitment, workforce acquisition, human capital management, HR management, human resources management, HR metrics and measurement, organizational development, executive coaching, HR law, employment law, labor relations, hiring employees, HR outsourcing, human resources outsourcing, training and development
hr.com.
human resources management resources for hr professionals. |
HR menus
|
HR events
|
HR Sitemap