Talent

Overworked and Underproductive

April 15, 2008

Survey indicates employees can't do it all in a day.

Heavy workloads have made it more difficult for employees to complete their given tasks in time, according to a survey released in February by LifeCare Inc., a provider of comprehensive specialty care services. The firm asked employees at 1,500 of its client organizations: "Looking back over 2007, what was the single biggest barrier you faced in fulfilling your job responsibilities?" Here's how they responded:

Overloaded/didn't have enough time to finish all tasks -- 39%

Basic job expectations not made clear -- 12%

Pay/rewards were not appropriate -- 8%

Child care issues -- 7%

Politics/personal conflicts -- 7%

Elder care issues -- 6%

Didn't have proper tools or equipment -- 6%

In 2006 the same question engendered similar results with 40% citing large workloads, followed by:

Pay/rewards not appropriate -- 15%

Politics/personal conflicts -- 11%

Basic job expectations not made clear -- 5%

Didn't have proper tools or equipment -- 4%

Child or elder care issues -- 4%

The remaining 21% cited "other reasons" for not reaching their production targets.

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About the Author

Jonathan Katz | Former Managing Editor

Former Managing Editor Jon Katz covered leadership and strategy, tackling subjects such as lean manufacturing leadership, strategy development and deployment, corporate culture, corporate social responsibility, and growth strategies. As well, he provided news and analysis of successful companies in the chemical and energy industries, including oil and gas, renewable and alternative.

Jon worked as an intern for IndustryWeek before serving as a reporter for The Morning Journal and then as an associate editor for Penton Media’s Supply Chain Technology News.

Jon received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Kent State University and is a die-hard Cleveland sports fan.