Recent research by Adecco Greece among employees signals a change in the expectations within environment of crisis. 32% of the participants prioritize security and stability at the workplace, while only 4% say the paycheck is important.
The economic crisis in Greece has substantially altered the status quo, bringing insecurity and change of perspective among workers. A couple of years ago, they would hardly believe they can be asked to work longer for lower salary, while now surviving the layoffs, in a company that is still on its feet, is a relief itself.
Natalia Maka, an administrator at a private center for rehabilitation of the disabled, sees the dynamic changes that took place in the Greek working environment during the past year leave employees feeling increasingly insecure, constantly dreading a possible dismissal, as a result of which effectiveness has notably diminished. Maka herself admits that her job’s stability is a leading factor for her, leaving money matters behind, something she couldn’t say two years ago.
Specifically, reliable and secure occupation dominates among 32% of those questioned. However, regardless of the instable environment and unwelcome change-of-job conditions, for 28% of the participants claim that job satisfaction is still a significant factor. 12% seek favorable working environment, while 11% value opportunities for professional development. The low percentage of employees who find financial rewards to be most important -4% - is logically explained by the stiff economical conditions.
Factors increasing job security and stability
A healthy and profitable company brings relief among 65% of the participants who reckon a firm that is able to take care of itself will extend security towards its employees. Considerably less are those who value open communication with the management and access to information -14%, and 12% find information about the company’s future plans and goals to be a fundamental factor. Interaction with management on various levels boosts the feeling of security among employees.
The vast majority of participants (93.2%) accepts fluctuations in their paycheck, given other conditions – nature of the job, co-workers’ relationships, development perspective, etc. -are being met. it’s a curious fact that 96% of those ready to accept a flexible pay are men, as opposed to only 88.3% of the women. As for age, mot flexible are workers between 31 and 35 years old (both men and women) with the impressive 97.3% positive feedback. Just behind them – with 91.5% - are men and women above the age of 40.
Job satisfaction factors
57% of the participants render management awareness and willingness to protect their workers to be essential. They demand that the authorities provide a favorable and healthy working atmosphere. Buildings and facilities are important for 20% of the questioned, and 15% are looking for adequate furnishing, tools, even stationary. In the ages of technological advance, technological equipment is also seen as contributing to a smooth working process.
Factors determining satisfaction from relationship with co-workers and management
Good working environment is undoubtedly essential of effectiveness and productivity. Satisfaction with inter-colleagues’ relationship is higher in an environment of respect, regardless of hierarchy or subject of work, for 36%. Belonging to a team that shares common goals and vision is important for 19%, and 15% value fair treatment, without prejudice, partiality and subjectivity. A modest 12% have pointed out trust in the management to be important, while only 7% believe freedom of expressing their opinion, be it contradictory, with the authorities is satisfactory.
The interpersonal relationships outside the office are lagging behind in the survey, with only 6% finding it important to share their social life with colleagues in order to feel satisfied, and 5% seek friendship.
Professional development factors
The leading factor for professional growth, as appointed by 39% of the participants, is the opportunity to visit seminars, and increasing knowledge and skills regarding their field. The prospect for promotion is important for 24%, and the chance to take part in organized activities for increasing professional development – for 22%. Least of the participants – 15% - see adequate training and new trends and procedures awareness as valuable factor for professional development.
Work-life balance –personal time is being sacrificed in the cause of company survival
A huge 92% claim they are ready to put in more hours to help their company stay on its feet. In the current critical economic environment when finding and keeping a job is less than easy, more and more people see a distorted work-life balance as a natural consequence.
90.4% of the men indicate willingness to support their company with extended working hours, which is supported by even more women – 94.7%. Worth noticing is that men and women over 40 show greater willingness to sacrifice their personal life in order to support the business there are employed in, with 95.7% giving a positive answer.
When do permanent employees receive greatest satisfaction with their work
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