Do You Know What Is Expected Of You At Work? Most Don't.

Via the Gallup Organization . . . 

Do you know what's expected of you at work? One of the most startling findings I've seen over the years is that only about half of employees strongly indicate that they do.

We recently reviewed data from 550 organizations and 2.2 million employees during their first companywide measurement of employee engagement. Even more surprising than the above finding is that the managers of these employees are equally unclear on what is expected of them. And while there is some variance across industries and job types, teams within organizations vary the most.

How is this possible, you might ask, in a business world of increased focus on job descriptions and competency models that outline the tasks and behaviors necessary for each role?

In our worldwide study of great managers, we've learned that clarity of expectations is more than a job description. Rather, it is a detailed understanding of how each person's role relates to the roles of his or her coworkers and the overall organization -- and how expectations change as circumstances change. What's more, clear expectations are central to fair and useful performance management.

http://www.gallup.com/opinion/gallup/185921/obsolete-annual-reviews-gallup-advice.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_content=morelink&utm_campaign=syndication

Millennials Surpass Boomers: Why are They Still in the Basement? Eight Reasons; Attitudes and Pendulums

Eight Reasons Millennials Living With Parents 

An interesting discussion and some fascinating conclusions by economist Mish Shedlock at the link below.  

1. Student debt
2. Soaring Tuition Costs
3. Unaffordable home prices
4. Shrinking real earnings
5. Participation rate of those aged 25-34
6. Demographics of aging 
7. Changing attitudes towards debt
8. Changing attitudes towards family formation

Read more at http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com/2015/09/millennials-surpass-boomers-why-are.html#cO3mZKxoA5w8Cgxs.99

Bad Bosses Are The Primary Causes Of Turnover

Hlupic argues that the common business focus on processes, procedures and results ignored the human dimension of work and productivity. “We are, after all, social beings with the need for soft skills such as encouragement, appreciation and achievement. If a boss denies these fundamental needs – even if the financial rewards are great – most employees will be quick to look elsewhere.”

It’s not that employees don’t want to get along with their boss either. The survey found that nearly three-quarters (74%) said getting along with their boss helped boost their motivation and a third said a good relationship with their boss was even more important than job satisfaction.

Unfortunately for those poor employees who lack a good relationship with their line manager or section head, bosses are unlikely to improve anytime soon. A 2014 report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development revealed that the quality of managers had not improved over the last decade.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/karenhigginbottom/2015/09/08/bad-bosses-at-the-heart-of-employee-turnover/

Also see the book "Why Work Isn't Working Anymore," by Karger and Aldrine, 2004.  http://www.crediblyconnect.com/the-book.php

The Failed Moral Argument For A "Living Wage"

Excellent article at link below, I commend to your review . . .

A “living wage” is a function not just of wages, but also the cost of living. So why aren’t living-wage advocates picketing grocery stores, home sellers, and gas stations demanding they slash prices? 

Why are employers solely responsible for making everything affordable?

Article here:  https://mises.org/library/failed-moral-argument-living-wage

10 Ways The Department of Labor Overtime Proposal Hurts Employees

This is an excellent slideshare presentation provided by the National Retail Federation.  I commend it to your review.  -Jim

http://www.slideshare.net/NationalRetailFederation/10-ways-dols-flawed-overtime-proposal-hurts-employees