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Returning Workers Brains Still On Vacation

Steve McGookin

 
 
Back in the office after the long weekend and feeling, well, less than enthusiastic about your cubicle and the to-do list on your desk?

You're not alone. Nearly half of U.S. workers may feel unmotivated about returning to work after Labor Day, according to a study by Development Dimensions International, a global human resources consulting firm, which advises about half the companies in the Fortune 500.

Of the 700 full- and part-time employees interviewed, many said that having little or no time off during the summer and the prospect of "unchallenging projects" in the weeks ahead were the main reasons for their general malaise.

But what are they going to do about it? Pretty much nothing, according to the survey.

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U.S. workers are bored with their current assignments and eager to take on new responsibilities and projects when they return to work after Labor Day. Respondents rank "working on the same projects as last year" (37%) as the top reason for being unmotivated. Conversely, those who responded that they were motivated to return to work after Labor stated they are "excited to start new projects" (35%).

"Motivated employees are the key to productivity and retention and it’s not just about the money," says Rich Wellins, senior vice president of DDI. "The study makes it clear that employees need challenges to stay interested and motivated. If they can’t find this at their current job, they are apt to look elsewhere."

Although U.S. workers feel their work is becoming monotonous, when asked what career resolutions they made for after Labor Day, none of the respondents said they would ask their boss for more interesting assignments.

"The onus cannot only be placed on employers alone to keep staff motivated," Wellins said. "As organizations grow leaner and flatter, the opportunity for employees to seek out more diverse, interesting projects increases. Individuals need to take some responsibility for their careers and daily jobs. They can’t leave it all up to the boss."

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Nearly a quarter of the workers DDI surveyed say they took no time off during the summer and 40% took "zero to four" days of vacation.

Overall, nearly two-thirds said that they "don’t feel refreshed" as they head into the fall. And of those who took a week or more of vacation (42%), nearly 45% stated that the "relaxed" feeling wore off before they even got back to the office, with an additional 21% saying that it lasted two hours or less from the time they walked into the office.

But there is some hope, the survey suggests. Of those who made post-Labor Day business or career resolutions, about one-third are committed to improving their work-life balance. Generally, of the respondents who focused on more career-oriented goals, the main aims included:
--Find a new job (13%)

--Focus more on my work (13%)

--Participate in more professional development (11%)

--Get a promotion (7%)

What was at the bottom of the list? Chasing a raise, which could reinforce the fact that people put interesting work ahead of money. Or at least that's what they say.

While both sexes said they would seek additional work-life balance, men’s resolutions reflected greater ambition than women. Of those who made resolutions, 12% of males are determined to get a promotion after Labor Day and 18% are committed to participating in more professional development opportunities. However, none of the female respondents planned to pursue promotions or professional development, but instead planned to look for a new job.

"Employers are finding it more difficult to find quality replacements for employees who are leaving to find more challenging work or greater promotions," said Wellins. "So it is critical that employers find ways to engage their staff with interesting work and to provide opportunities for development to keep both men and women motivated and employed."