Health

Unhappy Workers Would Choose New Boss Over More Pay

Oct. 17, 2012

Miserable workers who claim their bosses don’t appreciate them would jump for a better boss rather than a bigger paycheck, according to a new national survey.

Laura Walter

Imagine an employment fairy shows up to wave her wand and grant you one wish in your professional life. Quick, what would you choose – a fatter paycheck or a better boss? According to a new survey, most unhappy workers would take the new boss over more money.

The study found that only 36 percent of American workers reported they were happy at their jobs. That means that as many as 64 percent are unhappy at work – and their bosses appear largely to blame. In fact, 65 percent said a better boss would make them happier at work; only 35 percent chose a pay raise.

Nearly 60 percent of respondents said they would do a better job at work if they got along better with their boss. Additionally, almost 70 percent of respondents said they would be happier at work if they got along better with their boss. With close to 15 percent of respondents reporting feeling bored, lonely and miserable at work, a little added happiness could only help.

The study was conducted by Michelle McQuaid, a leader in positive psychology interventions in the workplace. Key findings include:

31 percent of employees polled feel uninspired and unappreciated by their boss.
Only 38 percent of those polled describe their boss as "great," with 42 percent saying their bosses don't work very hard and close to 20 percent saying their boss has little or no integrity.
Over half (55 percent) of those polled think they would be more successful in their career if they got along better with their boss, with 58 percent in managerial and professional careers saying so, and 53 percent in service and manual labor positions.
In terms of the impact a boss has on employee health, 73 percent of those in their 20s and 30s said their health is at stake, while only 40 percent of those 50 and older felt that way.
When stress levels rise at work, 47 percent reported their boss does not stay calm and in control.

"This current situation in the workplace is taking an incredible personal toll on employees and for organizations, it is costing $360 billion a year in lost productivity," said McQuaid.