" /> Skip to main content

The big thumbs down

Oct 14 2008 by
Print This Article

Given the economic climate, are workers happy just to have a job? Or are they still as critical of their bosses as they have been in the past? If a recent survey by the company Randstad USA discussed in this article on CityNews is anything to go by, the answer is a resounding "yes."

The company polled 2,300 workers to find out what they thought of their supervisors, their current job, their economic situation and how it was affecting their work. According to their data, over half of the workers feel that their bosses are "incompetent."

In fact, it seems that the litany of blunders on Wall Street and beyond have increased the feeling that those at the top are just not up to the job. Moreover, many workers felt that as companies now turn toward trying to improve their bottom line that they "are feeling ignored or worse, fearing that the decisions being made at the top could threaten their livelihoods."

Only 43% said they felt their managers were open to new ideas and only 47% of the workers said they would even consider working overtime in order to impress their managers. Fewer than 30% of those questioned felt that their managers were doing an adequate job of motivating them to do their job well.

So, even though their jobs may be at risk, employees still feel that their managers are unable to manage them properly. The company who ran the survey even suggest that, as the economy worsens, these feelings may grow, rather than diminish.

Related Categories

Latest book reviews

MORE BOOK REVIEWS

Relationship Currency

Relationship Currency

Ravi Rajani

In an era where AI can draft emails and manage our schedules, 'Relationship Currency' is a timely reminder of the importance of investing in genuine human connection.

The Enlightened Manager

The Enlightened Manager

Vishwanath Alluri and Harry Eyres

Can we truly manage others without first understanding ourselves? This is the question at the heart of a book that takes an unconventional approach to management by drawing on the teachings of the teacher and philosopher, Jiddu Krishnamurti.

The Confidence Myth

The Confidence Myth

Ginka Toegel

How can women leaders break free from gendered perceptions? Professor Ginka Toegel’s new book challenges the narrative that female leaders lack confidence or that women need to "fix" themselves, arguing for a fundamental shift in how organisations recognise and reward competence.