I really love my job here at Geekosystem, but it turns out I’m in the minority. According to a Gallup survey only 30% of the 100 million Americans with a full-time job are “actively engaged” at the workplace. Half the workforce is “not engaged,” and the remaining 20% are “actively disengaged,” meaning they straight up hate their job and, “roam the halls spreading discontent.”
The levels of how “engaged” workers are might sound a little vague, so to clear them up I’ll use examples of the last three jobs I’ve had. As I’ve said, I love my current job at Geekosystem. I’m what Gallup would call “actively engaged.” When I’m at work I actively try to help this site do better. I enjoy what I do, and the atmosphere in which I get to do it. Just 30% of the American workforce feels the way I do about their job.
Before coming to Geekosystem, I worked as a substitute teacher. I didn’t love teaching, but I certainly didn’t hate it. I wasn’t miserable at work, but I was far from “actively engaged.” I showed up. Reviewed the lesson plans, and just tried to get through the day so I could go home and take a nap. I was “not engaged.” 50% of workers in America feel that way about their job. It’s not the worst thing in their lives, but it’s not what they’re passionate about.
Before subbing, I worked as a waiter and bartender in a chain restaurant, and I hated it. I hated serving people. I hated the company I worked for. I hated the customers. I hated the food we offered. I hated most of the people I worked with. When my manager asked me what he could do to make me happy at work I said, “You could fire me,” and he did. I was as “actively disengaged,” as a person could get.
To the 20 million people who currently feel that way about their jobs:
These numbers are important because the commonly held belief is that an “engaged” workforce is more productive. It’s not just good for you to have a job you love. It also benefits the company you work for, and thus the economy.
(Gallup via The New York Times, image via mickyc82)
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