With the approach of the US Thanksgiving holiday, we’ve released Taleo’s American Job Thankfulness survey. The study found that a majority of Americans are thankful for their jobs. Yet many are not so grateful. Of the nearly 900 US workers polled in this tough economy:
• 70% of respondents claim they are very thankful for their job.
• 46% said they do not feel they are being paid for performance.
• 30% do not receive feedback at least twice a year.

But 30% said something completely different. And maybe they are part of the nearly half who see a disconnect in pay for performance as a major issue of dissatisfaction. Three out of 10 employees report they:
• May leave their job after their next salary review or bonus.
• Are failing to give their best effort at work.
• Are actively seeking a new position.

The fact that a majority of Americans are extremely thankful for their jobs and careers proves many businesses do understand the importance of managing people. But those businesses that are not doing their best to identify, engage, and develop their best and brightest will lose workers. If companies don’t make talent retention a high priority, employees that seem content now may be headed out the door when the economy turns.

Remember, half of the 40% churn in US jobs this year came voluntarily. And our survey found Millennials are only 62% thankful. The younger generation expects a higher level of engagement from employers than the rest of us, which is a social change employers need to accept. Businesses can choose to respond as their employee base changes or stay in the past and settle for the workers willing to accept less engagement, opportunity, and development.

These are many ways that employers can give their thanks to their employees. Among them, i4cp’s Turnover and Engagement Pulse Survey found companies that are actively trying to increase engagement and reduce turnover are using these strategies:
• Better communication (81%)
• Talent management (77%)
• Succession planning (59%)