The survey found that 34% of employees are “at risk” neither committed nor planning to stay. An even larger group (37%) was identified as “trapped”  not committed to their employer, but planning to stay on at least two years.

The results of the 2001 National Employee Benchmark Study are bad news for employers, with the replacement costs estimated to represent 18 months of those workers salaries, according to a study by consultant Hay Group cited by the survey’s authors.

Above and Beyond

Just as critically, the survey notes that committed employees report a willingness to do things above and beyond the normal job requirements and would recommend their firm to other employees.

Just over half of all employees said they believe their firm treats employees fairly, with 50% acknowledging that their pay is fair, while a somewhat smaller 45% said workplace policies were carried out fairly. In addition,

• 44% say they experienced genuine care and concern from their employers
• 45% believe their firm cares about developing people for long-term careers
• 41% believe their employers trust them.

Less than half feel encouraged to try new ways of doing things at work.

Unionized workers were more likely to fall in the “trapped” category (53% versus 34%), while just 25% of union members thought their employer showed genuine care and concern, versus nearly half of nonunion workers.

The survey consisted of 2,795 self-administered questionnaires collected during the second quarter of 2001 and represents employees across the United States.