Globoforce®, the world’s leading provider of SaaS-based employee recognition solutions, announced the results of its latest Globoforce Workforce Mood Tracker™. The semi-annual survey provides key insights into the current pulse of the U.S. worker. According to the September 2011 report, a startling percentage of employed Americans are considering leaving their jobs despite an uncertain economy with a lack of new job creation. The September 2011 study also reveals a direct correlation between employees’ intent to look for a new job and the level of recognition they receive at work.

Overall six-month trends reveal higher worker dissatisfaction

According to the September 2011 Workforce Mood Tracker, employees are less satisfied in their current job and feel less appreciated for the work they do. In fact, when compared to the February 2011 results, the latest survey shows alarming trends in the US workforce:

- Thirty-eight percent of employees are actively looking for a new job, up from 36 percent

- Thirty-nine percent of workers don’t feel appreciated at work, up from 32 percent

- Fifty-two percent are dissatisfied with the level of recognition they receive, up from 41 percent

Companies that recognize employees see lower turnover

According to the September 2011 survey, nearly half of all surveyed said they would leave their current job for a company that clearly recognized employees for their efforts and contributions. The survey also reveals the connection between a lack of recognition and potential turnover. Among respondents who stated they plan to search for a new job this year:

- Only 24 percent are satisfied with the level of recognition they receive at work. Conversely, 63 percent of employees who have no plans of leaving are satisfied with their level of recognition.

- Thirty-two percent have been recognized at work in the past three months. By contrast, 52 percent of those who have no intention of leaving had been recognized in the past three months.

Wake up call for businesses – appreciate employees and get more employee productivity

The September 2011 Mood Tracker survey reveals the majority of employees surveyed would perform better and have higher job satisfaction if their employer acknowledged their efforts and appreciated them for their work on a regular basis. Highlights from the study:

- Seventy-eight percent of U.S. workers said being recognized motivates them in their job

- Sixty-nine percent stated they would work harder if they felt their efforts were better recognized

“It’s been often stated that we’re in the midst of a jobless recovery. While that may be true, it’s critical for companies to avoid a ‘thankless recovery’ for their current employees, as that could have damaging consequences on employee productivity, company culture, and employee retention,” said Eric Mosley, CEO of Globoforce. “Our latest survey shows that if you recognize and appreciate your employees in relevant ways, they will want to continue to work for you.”