So, Who Breaks First -- Employees or Employers?

U.S. employers axed 8.4 million employees from December 2007 to December 2009. The result has been employers getting more for less -- leaner staffs mean increased productivity.

In 2009, productivity rose 3.5 percent. Since January, 2010, productivity has averaged a much slower 1.5 percent growth rate indicating that employers may have squeezed the last bit of increased productivity from their employees.

Psychological studies of employees may indicate the same thing. Workers are experiencing extremely high stress levels. After all, they are doing more with less all while worrying their jobs may go next.

A survey from the American Psychological Association shows the long-term impact of stress on the physical and emotional health of workers as well as their family members and most especially their children.

75% of Americans say they experience stress that exceeds what is healthy. They are at risk for illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression, all exacerbated by stress.

So, the question is simple and straightforward: Will U.S. employers break down begin hiring or continue pouring on the pressure until employees (and their families) break?

If you have an opinion, post a comment.