American professionals have high degree of confidence in the companies they are employed with as a majority of them have an optimistic outlook for their firms, a recent survey says.
According to the survey conducted by consulting firm APCO Worldwide in partnership with Gagen MacDonald, employees have exhibited high levels of confidence in the overall direction of their companies and their management.
"Employees are very confident about the current and future direction of their companies," the survey which was conducted between September 28 to October 5, 2009 showed.
Out of 500 workers who have been employed for at least a year with their companies, over 80 per cent say their companies are headed in the right direction, while only 15 per cent consider things are directed in the wrong way.
The survey also revealed that employees have high degree of company loyalty, despite uncertainty about how loyal their companies are to them.
The US economy, which was facing the worst financial crisis ever since 1930, came out of recession in the third quarter ended September registering a growth of 3.5 per cent.
"While employee confidence and loyalty may to a large degree be an expression of wishful thinking during these tough times, it nonetheless indicates a sentiment that can and should be leveraged to a company's advantage," APCO Worldwide Executive Vice President Kirk Stewart said.
Meanwhile, a majority of employees are extremely loyal to their companies and are personally motivated to do all they can to help their firms succeed.
According to the report, nearly 80 per cent workers surveyed said they are extremely satisfied with their current jobs, while only 9 per cent are dissatisfied.
While, nearly 90 per cent employees said they would be in the same job six months from now. The employees cited job security, stability, pay and benefits as the primary reasons for their satisfaction.
"The results clearly point to the increased importance and responsibilities leaders have to more effectively engage, inspire and lead their organisations, particularly in this uncertain economic environment," Stewart added.
Regarding employee morale, just 27 per cent respondents said it is extremely positive in their organisations, while 20 per cent consider it extremely or somewhat negative. Only two in 10 employees believe morale is better compared to a year ago, while nearly one-third say it is worse.
