TROY, MI--(Marketwire - August 4, 2010) - More than half of all Americans surveyed believe they would be more productive if they had a greater interest in the companies that employ them through benefits such as profit sharing, according to the latest survey from workforce solutions leader Kelly Services (
The findings are part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, which obtained the views of approximately 134,000 people, including almost 13,000 in the United States.
The survey found 25 percent of workers are currently in an arrangement where some of their pay is tied to performance targets. Gen X (aged 30-47) employees are much more likely to be receiving performance-based pay than Gen Y (aged 18-29) or those in the Baby Boomer generation (aged 48-65). Men are also more frequently in performance pay plans than women.
However, of those not receiving performance pay, almost a third (31 percent) say they would be more productive if their earnings were connected to performance outcomes, particularly Gen Y and males.
Additionally, the survey found there is strong support for employers taking a more proactive role in improving the health of their workforce, with 84 percent saying that employer-provided health initiatives should be part of their employment package.
Kelly Services Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Webster says, "There is a high degree of interest from employees in having a portion of their compensation tied to the financial performance of their employers. However, the survey also suggests that non-financial compensation including wellness programs are gaining appeal. These programs can yield benefits for both employers and employees by creating a more productive and energetic work environment."
Other results of the survey in the United States about employee benefits and perks shows:
- 51 percent say that profit sharing would motivate them to perform at a higher level.
- Among major U.S. regions, the largest concentration of workers receiving performance-based pay is in northern New Jersey and Memphis, Tennessee (both 33 percent), followed by Portland, Oregon (32 percent), Tampa, Florida; New York City; and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (all 31 percent).
- Those industries with the highest rates of performance-based compensation are financial services, travel & leisure, retail, and business services.
- Aside from salary, the reward that rates highest is health benefits, followed by flexible hours, and retirement benefits.
- More than two-thirds (67 percent) believe that employers should provide incentives to encourage a healthier lifestyle for such changes as quitting smoking, losing weight, or taking up exercise.
- The employer-provided health benefit that is most attractive is health insurance, followed by gym access or discounts, a smoke-free environment, and corporate exercise programs.
About the Kelly Global Workforce Index
The Kelly Global Workforce Index is an annual survey revealing opinions about work and the workplace from a generational viewpoint. Approximately 134,000 people from North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific responded to the 2010 survey with results published on a quarterly basis. In 2009, Kelly Services was the recipient of a MarCom Gold Award for the Kelly Global Workforce Index in the Research/Study category.
About Kelly Services
Kelly Services, Inc. (
Contact Information:
Media contact:
Kathy Fisher
Kelly Services
248 244-4909
kathy_fisher@kellyservices.com