70 per cent Americans unhappy at work

A vast majority of US workers - 70 per cent - do not feel engaged or inspired by their jobs, which is costing the country between USD 450-550 billion per year, a new has found.
Researchers in the Gallup study found that only 30 per cent Americans are able to reach their full potential.
Widespread disinterest and unhappiness at the workplace is not only affecting the company performance, but is also costing the US a whopping USD 450 billion to USD 550 billion a year, the 2013 State of the American Workplace Report estimated.
Gallup determined whether America's 100 million full-time workers were "engaged," "not engaged" or "actively disengaged" at their jobs, CBS News reported.

Employees who were "engaged" said they are passionate about their work and feel a connection to their company - they are responsible for the most innovation within their organisation.
Workers who were "not engaged" act "checked out", although they put time and effort into their work, they don't have energy or passion.

While 30 per cent Americans said they were engaged, about half of them (52 per cent) fall into the latter category.
Those who are "actively disengaged" aren't just unhappy - they act out their unhappiness by undermining what their engaged coworkers accomplish. As many as 18 per cent of Americans feel this way about their job, Gallup study found.

Researchers also found that organisations that are hiring have nearly four times more satisfied employees than companies that are letting go of workers.
The Gallup report concluded that the mood at the office comes from the top down. If managers focused on their employees strengths more, they could double the average of US workers who have strong performance.
"Here's something they'll probably never teach you in business school: The single biggest decision you make in your job - bigger than all of the rest - is who you name manager," said Gallup CEO and Chairman Jim Clifton.