How Do Employees Measure Success?

By Dennis McCafferty
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    Out of Reach

    Out of Reach

    65% of U.S. workers surveyed said they aren't currently paid their desired salary.

The vast majority of U.S. employees queried in a recent survey from CareerBuilder said they aren't earning what they deserve. Most of us, of course, would prefer to make more money. However, these findings demonstrate that professionals' resentment toward their employer could escalate if they conclude that they're constantly being asked to produce more with less, while making less than they should be making. Interestingly, there's apparently a difference between earning what you'd like to make and how much you need to feel successful. This reflects prior survey results Baseline presented that indicate that today's employees are considering alternatives to compensation—such as compelling assignments, flexible schedules and telecommuting options—as job rewards. "Success is relative to the type of work individuals do or their current career stage," says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder. "This is healthy because it shows workers can derive meaning from their work at any level, while still striving for that next promotion or raise." The survey also sheds light on the percent of companies that openly disclose staff salaries and how this practice is perceived. More than 3,370 full-time workers and nearly 2,190 hiring managers and HR professionals took part in the research.

This article was originally published on 2014-08-28
Dennis McCafferty is a freelance writer for Baseline Magazine.
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