Five Ways to Really Tick Off Your Employees
 
A recent survey from Adecco Group North America highlights the increased dissatisfaction workers in America have with their employers. According to the survey:

• 54% of employees plan to look for a new job as soon as the economy turns around.
• Sentiment is even stronger among younger workers. Of those ages 18-29, 71% say they are likely to look for new jobs once the economy turns around.

These numbers should not be shocking, as most of us know at least one person who will be jumping ship as soon as they can.
 
Employees appear to be getting angrier everyday and their employers keep throwing more wood into the fire. If you really want to heat things up, then be sure to do the following. Just be warned; the outcome may not be for the faint of heart...
 
Daily reminders - Remind employees how lucky they are to have a job. Do this on a daily basis. Tell them how fortunate they are to be receiving a paycheck. Never mind their check is 10% less than what they originally signed up for. Remember to include this reminder at your weekly meetings, when you take them out to lunch to thank them for their efforts, and at this year's office party.
 
Freeze raises and bonuses - Jump on the bandwagon. Everyone else is doing it, so why shouldn't you? Doesn't matter if your profits are soaring or if your employees know you've had your best year ever. This is a great time to reign in costs, even if your costs are already in line.
 
Renege on your promises - You told people their reduction in pay would be temporary. However, you now view these changes as permanent. Of course you've decided not to tell anyone, until they ask.
 
Put a moratorium on promotions - Ask people to do the work of those who have been let go, and insist on holding back a title change and pay increase. Call this "self-development," since you are giving people a wonderful opportunity to increase their skills. Something few employers seem to be doing.
 
Send out mixed messages - Tell your employees they are your most valuable asset. Then remind them that everyone is replaceable. Just to prove your point, be sure to replace a highly respected member of your team, with someone who is less experienced and less expensive.
 
It's time to get back to basics. The first step is admitting you have a problem. Then you can begin the lengthy process of rebuilding trust in your organization. Or, you can continue as if business is as usual and watch your employees flee the minute the economy shows signs of recovery.
 
 
About Roberta Matuson
Roberta Matuson is an expert at creating intergenerational harmony at work. She's President of Human Resource Solutions, a firm that provides consulting and training to resolve intergenerational conflicts and help companies capitalize on the unique generational perspectives of their workforce. She has appeared on FOX's "The O'Reilly Factor" and has been quoted in The New York Times, Boston Globe, and many other national business publications.