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mid the rash of layoffs in the high-tech sector in the past year, Canadian high-tech workers say that respect – not salary, stock options or even job security – is the most important factor in job satisfaction, according to a survey conducted by PwC Consulting in collaboration with ComputerWorld Canada and Network WorldCanada.
The changing job market, in which layoffs are common, has meant that high-tech workers can’t be as demanding as in the past. However, even in today’s job market, high-tech workers still want the respect of employers.
Respondents also gave high ratings to other factors related to respect. These include access to information technology training, working on assignments of which they can be proud and being trusted with flexible work hours to realize their best performance.
In today’s softening economy, high-base salary and stock options might be perceived as a way to motivate employees, but the two factors were not even among the top 10 responses. In fact, respondents indicated they valued stock options less than the availability of free parking.
Companies that are laying off employees now may need them back in the not-too-distant future. Values like respect and good management can now be demonstrated in a new way – in how downsized employees and “survivors” are treated, for example.
Employees take notice of how their downsized colleagues are treated and act accordingly. Survivors may be tempted to look elsewhere if they see a lack of respect towards those being laid off and those who remain.
Some of the other highlights of the survey include: