Have you noticed declining morale at work lately?

RAM · #1 09-17-2009, 08:59 AM

If so, apparently you're not alone. According to this article on CNN.com today, 40% of workers who have NOT lost their jobs are feeling more stressed at work and their companies suffer from lower morale than usual.

It's an interesting point, to be sure. In business school I remember having numerous discussions about the downside of layoffs, in that they can have long-lasting negative effects that outweigh the immediate (or short-term) benefits to a firm's financial woes. Many of the firms who commit these layoffs, such as my last employer (yes, I was one of those directly affected by the layoffs) had publicly stated they were against layoffs for these reasons and more. Yet when a publicly owned company faces the scrutiny of shareholders demanding a better bottom-line, they often have little choice but to lay people off.

Wouldn't it be nice if shareholders "got it"? Isn't it like throwing the baby out with the bathwater?

Anyway, if you're lucky enough to have held on to your job, I'd be especially interested in your observations at work to see if you've had similar experiences. Of course, anyone with an opinion can certainly chime in, as well.

Marley's Ghost · #2 09-17-2009, 09:05 AM

Oh yeah. I work in technology at a large Fortune 50 financial institution and people are really getting disgusted. Work hours are increasing. We are forced to pay for our own mobile phones to use for business, among other Dilbertian practices. As the market improves, skilled workers are starting to head out the door. The company really thinks that they can abuse us in any way and we will take it to save our jobs.

jojobean39 · #3 09-17-2009, 09:07 AM

Our workplace seems pretty cheerful. We haven't had any layoffs and we are doing really well now. About 9 months ago, that was a little bit scary. Things were not looking as good. But we were able to make it through with no layoffs. The only thing I think anyone COULD complain about is not getting a raise this year. But anyone stupid enough to complain about right now that should be punched in their face. We are very thankful to have jobs here and to have been able to make it through with no paycuts or layoffs.

NoTalentHack · #4 09-17-2009, 09:37 AM

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TallLankyBastyd · #5 09-17-2009, 10:51 AM

Yeah... and declining morals too !

acubass · #6 09-17-2009, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoTalentHack

I work for the government and since January 21st morale has taken a nose dive . . .

Yep it stinks when you suddenly have to worry about accountability.

MakiSupaStar · #7 09-17-2009, 11:39 AM

I have no morals.

foderaman77 · #8 09-17-2009, 11:45 AM

A company is a social community like any other. Layoffs destroy social cohesiveness therefore social / intellectual capital - a.k.a a dumber company. The break up of the company "family". People you probably see more then your family. Productivity falls. It takes time to reorient. Also layoffs are a sign that the job market is no longer leveraged towards the job searcher but the employer. Furthering the feeling of lack of security and control and a need to think of self and not necessarily to the benefit of the company.

iamlowsound · #9 09-17-2009, 11:53 AM

Nope, I quit my job and went back to school. My previous employer was so busy that he was hiring whoever he could.

lowsound

NoTalentHack · #10 09-17-2009, 12:37 PM

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acubass · #11 09-17-2009, 12:48 PM

Stanley Design · #12 09-17-2009, 12:58 PM

Worked my friggin ass off for a company, staying overtime whenever asked, coming in on the weekend to get things done, no sick days etc. Then got my hours cut almost in half because of hard times, almost went bankrupt and built up immense debt. Told them I had to part ways because it was going to put me in the poor house and that I was sorry. They were MAD at me. I thought my boss might have clocked me one he was so mad.

Now I live in my moms basement with my woman in another province trying to get debt paid off that accumulated while working. It's tough times but especially for working-men at the bottom. There's nowhere to climb, just sketchy ledges to cling onto and hopefully hold on long enough not to wreck.

Smurf-o-Deth · #13 09-17-2009, 01:06 PM

For your sake, I wish he would have shot you one from his shoulder--a civil payout could take a bite outta debt!

XtreO · #14 09-17-2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAM

If so, apparently you're not alone. A
Wouldn't it be nice if shareholders "got it"? Isn't it like throwing the baby out with the bathwater?

That was quite a bad example, given that babies are excellent swimmers.

Marley's Ghost · #15 09-17-2009, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XtreO

That was quite a bad example, given that babies are excellent swimmers.

That is an adorable picture. What a nice hijack for a change. Makes me almost wish we still had babies at home.

Stanley Design · #16 09-17-2009, 01:32 PM

How is it breathing?

**Thor** · #17 09-17-2009, 01:45 PM

I work in a small, closely held company. November through
March was very tough.

Things do seem to have improved a bit, though.

Marley's Ghost · #18 09-17-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stanley Design

How is it breathing?

Babies instinctively hold their breath underwater, if training is started at an early age.

And he or she is not an it.

Phalex · #19 09-17-2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stanley Design

How is it breathing?

Vestigial gills.

XtreO · #20 09-17-2009, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marley's Ghost

Babies instinctively hold their breath underwater, if training is started at an early age.

And he or she is not an it.

That is an interesting question. Is it a he or she?