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8/28/2005

Money, marriage are big factors in job satisfaction, poll says

Workers might complain about being stressed, but many are managing the demands of work and life, according to the Hudson Employment Index.

Still, there are exceptions: Corporate employees are less likely to report overall satisfaction than workers employed by government agencies or small entrepreneurial ventures. For example, 70 percent of private employees said they were satisfied with the way they balance personal and workplace demands; 78 percent of government workers and 82 percent of those employed by small firms said they were happy with work-life balance.

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The national poll of 1,891 employees, by Rasmussen Reports LLC, an independent research firm, found that 39 percent work more than 40 hours per week. In addition, workers ages 40 to 49 seemed to have the toughest challenges, with only 55 percent agreeing that their boss has done a lot to promote work-life balance.

The survey also found that married workers were happier with their work-life balance than unmarried workers, and married employees had more fun at work than unmarried workers.

Despite the positive news, there is still room for improvement, said 26 percent of the employees, who told researchers their employers do not encourage a healthy balance between their personal lives and work. According to the survey, 15 percent of these employees work more than 50 hours per week.

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Not surprisingly, those who make more money tend to be happier, Hudson said.

The Hay Group, an international human resources consulting firm, found that the nation's top lawyers have leadership styles that are more effective in improving performance over a long period of time.

The researchers compared 33 partners at a major international law firm with 20 average performers. The Hay Group measured the amount of revenue they had accrued, how strong their relationships were with clients, and their skills.

''The top performers were more likely to break the stereotype of the lawyer as a cold, calculating, ruthless star performer, interested only in the outcome of the case,'' said Susan Snyder, head of Hay Group's leadership development practice in New York.

According to the consulting firm, there are six key leadership styles: directive, visionary, affiliative, participative, pacesetting, and coaching.

Outstanding partners relied on a broader range of styles than average performers. For example, 70 percent used four of the six primary styles. The average group of partners relied on 40 percent of the major styles.

''The outstanding lawyers also used styles that research has shown are more effective in driving performance over time,'' said the report. 'They were more visionary, providing their teams with much needed perspective and context while reinforcing the firm's values.''

Researchers found that the star leaders were more likely to set realistic goals. These partners were less likely to micromanage, and did not have a hard time letting go of tasks that might be better handled by their associates.

''The best partners also drew on the directive style: they were five times more likely to give specific directions and demand immediate action,'' the study said. It noted that these leaders sometimes barked at subordinates, but they also coached them and were very much involved with them. The researchers found that the average partner was more likely to use the direct style with certain people, discouraging and intimidating them.

Snyder said the best partners also earned more, possibly because their team members were more productive. Hay Group said the research also showed that the directive style is most effective when it is used only in critical, high-risk situations.

''When that happens, associates are more engaged and productive and generate better results for the firm,'' the company said.

Diane E. Lewis can be reached at .

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