Profit Sharing a Key to Worker Engagement

August 16, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – Some 60% of respondents in a recent Kelly Services poll said an employer profit-sharing program would motivate them to perform at a higher level.

A news release from the job services firm said almost 40% of those surveyed say some of their compensation is tied to individual, group or company performance targets. Of those who do not have such an arrangement, more than a third would like to see this practice adopted by their employers.

Gen Y (aged 18-29) and Gen X (aged 30-47) are much more likely to be on some form of performance-based pay than those in the baby boomer generation (aged 48-65). Among those not already on performance-based pay, Gen Y are the most attracted to it.

“Profit sharing and company ownership arrangements create a powerful bond between workers and employers, and can motivate people to be more productive and creative,” said Kelly Services Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, George Corona, in the news release. “As a global talent shortage looms, employers may want to consider how they can improve the productivity of their workforce by offering employment packages that align individual performance to corporate goals.”

The survey also found extensive support for employers doing more to address the health and well-being of the workforce, even to the extent of providing incentives or rewards to those who are able to quit smoking, lose weight or adopt a healthy lifestyle, the news release said.

Other findings included that:

  • Aside from salary, the highest rated benefit for all generations is training, but it is much more important to Gen Y and Gen X.
  • Approximately half of all generations rate employer-provided health benefits as “very important.”
  • Roughly 80% of all generations think that employers should take some responsibility for employee health and well-being.
  • Well over half of all generations believe that employers should provide an incentive or reward to employees for adopting a healthier lifestyle, changes which may include quitting smoking, losing weight or taking up exercise.
  • The employer-provided health benefit that is most attractive to all generations is health insurance, while gym access or discounts are relatively popular with Gen Y.

The survey covered 134,000 people in 29 countries across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. The report is here.

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