Why a Majority of Americans Are Looking for New Jobs

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Are you happy and engaged at work? If you answered no, you’re not alone.

According to a new Gallup report, employee disengagement is rampant in the United States. It’s likely a main motivator behind 51 percent of the more than 100 million full-time workers in America looking for a new job.

Across the U.S., just one-third of American workers are engaged at their workplace. Gallup characterizes them as workers who “love their jobs and make their organization and America better every day.”

Roughly 51 percent of workers are “just there,” according to Gallup. And 16 percent of American workers are actively disengaged — which can take a massive toll on companies and workforce productivity in the U.S. Gallup says:

“[Disengaged workers] are more likely to steal from their company, negatively influence their coworkers, miss workdays and drive customers away. Gallup estimates that actively disengaged employees cost the U.S. $483 billion to $605 billion each year in lost productivity.”

So why are American workers so incredibly unhappy in the workplace today?

It seems workers’ discontent has a lot to do with management, with just 21 percent of U.S. employees reporting that their work performance is managed in a way that motivates them to do outstanding work.

Gallup says employers need to recognize that workers today are different than previous generations.

Employees come into a role wanting frequent communication with their manager, development opportunities, flexibility and autonomy, coaching, and a sense of stability and security. They want to be engaged and motivated, doing work that feels meaningful and makes the most of their talents and strengths.

If managers and companies use that knowledge to engage their workers, the benefits could be felt nationwide.

“If American companies were simply to double the number of engaged workers from one-third to two-thirds, spirited employees would reverse our seriously declining national productivity,” Jim Clifton, Gallup chairman and CEO, says in a statement.

Are you unhappy at work? Check out “More Workers Are Saying ‘I Quit’: Should You Join Them?”

Are you engaged in your work? Sound off below or on Facebook.

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