Downturn a Workplace Silver Lining?

A new Accountemps survey found 77% who have enjoyed at least one positive impact on their work lives, according to a news release.

The announcement said that those recognizing a workplace silver lining to the economic downturn listed those benefits as:

• Taken on new projects: 53%
• Gained more responsibility: 52%
• Taken on more challenging work: 52%
• Had more interactions with management: 44%
• Had more interactions with clients or customers: 38%
• Been promoted: 12%

“Because of the realities of today’s business environment, firms are working with leaner teams, which has, out of necessity, given many professionals the opportunity to take on greater challenges and expand their skill sets,” said Max Messmer, chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, in the news release. “But some employees may be struggling to keep up, and employers need to ensure they provide the resources staff need to be successful and avoid becoming overburdened.”

The national survey included responses from 457 workers 18 years of age or older and employed full or part time in an office environment. It was conducted by an independent research firm and developed by Accountemps.