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10/16/05
Workplace Development Dimensions International, a human resources consulting firm, recently surveyed workers around the nation about why they would not want to be the boss in their current workplace. The result: Most workers simply don't want to be in charge.
The majority said they had no interest in taking charge of their current work environment because of the change in dynamic that would take place between themselves and co-workers. ''This is uncomfortable because suddenly, the boss can't ignore a teammate's weaknesses or poor performance,'' said Jim Concelman, manager of leadership development at DDI. ''And harder still, many bosses are responsible for employees' pay.'' Another 25 percent said they would shy away from taking a higher-up position because of fears that they would be perceived as incompetent or unable to handle the new responsibilities. Taking that jump — from being one of the team to being in charge of it —can also subject new bosses to ridicule and jokes, like those they used to dish out. DDI's survey showed that most workers compare their bosses to ones they see on television shows, particularly reality programming such as ''The Apprentice.'' While famous bosses such as Martha Stewart and Donald Trump can show extreme leadership styles, workers still use the characters they see in entertainment as starting points for making fun of their own superiors. One-third of employees surveyed said they spent at least 20 hours per month complaining about their bosses. ''Experienced managers know that poor performers often complain the most,'' Concelman said. ''Still, it raises real concerns from other team members about the skills and behaviors of the boss.'' But bosses take note: Employees most like managers who consult them before making changes, are genuinely interested in helping them succeed, and share the same goals, which isn't always focused on the company's bottom line, the survey showed. And what about those workers that still aren't happy, even after bosses do their best to make things better? Almost half of workers will leave if they have a bad boss, 10 percent immediately. But 36 percent would give their new superior a chance first, for as long as six months, before deciding to leave.
Employment Kronos recently released the results of a survey conducted by Harris Interactive which found that 39 percent of workers polled have gone looking for a new job while working in their current position, with 94 percent of that group having spent three or more hours per week either networking or searching online for job leads. The tendency to look for new work could also be tied to other changes in the workplace, particularly added hours without subsequent pay increases. Around 43 percent of workers surveyed indicated they had increased the number of hours they work every week in the last six months, but 55 percent have not received any kind of pay increase in the same time period. The increased work loads and longer hours also have working adults worried about the effects work is having on their personal lives: 58 percent of those surveyed said they were having a harder time than in the past balancing work and home responsibilities.
Transportation On average, Boston families spend 17.2 percent of their total expenditures, or $7,175 annually, on transportation-related items, which includes vehicle purchases, maintenance, fuel, and public transportation costs. This beats out the 15.4 percent spent by New Yorkers, 15.9 percent spent by Philadelphians, and 16.6 percent shelled out by Pittsburghers. However, families in Houston, often referred to as the energy capital of the United States, spent the greatest percentage of income, 20.9 percent, on transportation costs, while Detroit, the Motor City, tied for second with Cleveland at 20.5 percent. The study was conducted as part of a regular Consumer Expenditure Survey program the Census Bureau conducts for the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which then integrates the data and publishes periodic reports.
The economy Owners with businesses employing 100 people or fewer were surveyed shortly before Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast. The same survey was conducted again after the hurricane, and 50 percent indicated they still expected growth for their businesses. Both of this year's statistics show a slight upturn from last year's results, which found that 44 percent of small-business owners expected growth. The spikes in energy prices following the hurricane have affected small businesses. More small businesses are cutting back on energy use post-Katrina because higher costs are impacting their bottom line or general operations, the survey showed; 19 percent experienced reduced profits and 13 percent reported ''cash flow issues.'' One way small-business owners are controlling those issues: by cutting down on healthcare benefit offerings. Fifty-four percent of those surveyed are offering health benefits, down from 59 percent in 2004 and 60 percent in 2003.''In terms of investments and risk-taking, many small-business owners are treading cautiously amid mixed economic news and rising business costs,'' said Susan Sobbott, president of OPEN. ''However, we see resiliency and continued confidence.'' Nathan Hurst can be reached at nhurst@globe.com
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