Survey: Employee discontent could reach crisis point in 2010

Philadelphia A new survey released Tuesday by Right Management found that the majority of workers are dissatisfied with their present jobs.

Talent and career-management firm Right Management surveyed almost 1,000 workers and found that 60% intend to leave their jobs and an additional one-in-four are networking and updating their resumes.

The survey, which asked “Do you plan to pursue new job opportunities as the economy improves in 2010?” revealed that 60% said they were leaving; 21% said they might and were networking toward that end; 6% said not likely but that they had updated their resumes and 13% said they intend to stay at their present jobs.

“The study provides a barometer of employee engagement in the workplace, with results that might alarm and surprise many employers,” said Douglas J. Matthews, president and COO at Right Management. “Employees are clearly expressing their pent-up frustration with how they have been treated through the downturn. While employers may have taken the necessary steps to streamline operations to remain viable, it appears many employees may have felt neglected in the process. The result is a disengaged and disgruntled work force.”