Survey Questions Employees about Priorities

May 9, 2002
Finding time for family is a higher priority for workers than fear of layoffs, a recent survey shows.

Finding time for family is a higher priority for workers than fear of layoffs, a recent survey shows.

When asked to rate their number-one career concern, nearly one-third (32 percent) of workers polled said the ability to balance business and personal demands. Twenty-two percent cited job security, while another 18 percent identified earning a competitive salary as their top priority.

The survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a staffing service specializing in highly skilled administrative professionals.

Survey respondents were asked, "What is your number-one concern about your career in 2002?" Their responses were:

  • Being able to balance work and family demands (32 percent)
  • Job security (22 percent)
  • Earning a competitive salary (18 percent)
  • Keeping technical skills current (12 percent)
  • Having a greater need for an advanced degree or certification (10 percent)
  • Other (4 percent)
  • Don''t know/no answer (2 percent)

"Recent world events have prompted many people to reassess their priorities and place greater importance on personal pursuits," says Liz Hughes, executive director of OfficeTeam. "As a result, flexible schedules may hold greater appeal than career advancement or increased compensation."

Hughes adds that companies that help workers achieve greater work/life balance are frequently rewarded with higher productivity levels and reduced turnover. "Small steps such as additional time off and family-friendly benefits can go a long way toward addressing staff concerns and increasing loyalty to the firm," she says.

by Sandy Smith ([email protected])

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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